Proof of vaccination will soon be as necessary as a valid passport for international passengers flying on Air New Zealand.
The national carrier says vaccination is the new reality of global travel. It will be the reality for all international Air New Zealand passengers, other than those under 18 or who hold an authorised medical exemption, starting from February.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran says the airline will only require international travellers above 18-years-old to be vaccinated to reflect the requirements of vaccination policies around the world.
Foran says the company will re-evaluate this decision if more overseas countries follow suit in requiring younger children to be vaccinated.