Air New Zealand to Introduce 'No Jab, No Fly' Policy for Travelers

Wellington — New Zealand's national airline is set to introduce a 'no jab, no fly' policy for international travellers, Air New Zealand announced on Sunday.

From February, the airline will require passengers travelling anywhere on its international network to be fully vaccinated, chief executive Greg Foran said in a statement.

"Mandating vaccination on our international flights will give both customers and employees the peace of mind that everyone onboard meets the same health requirements as they do."

Foran said being vaccinated against Covid-19 was "the new reality of international travel" and would sit alongside other health measures.“It’s not just customers who will be required to be vaccinated – it’s everyone on board an Air New Zealand aircraft travelling internationally, adding to the health and safety measures we already have in place. Another tool in our toolbox."

Customers who were not vaccinated would be required to present proof that vaccination was not a viable option for them for medical reasons, Foran said.

“As with anything, there will be some that disagree. However, we know this is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the wider New Zealand community."

New Zealand's border has been closed to all but residents and citizens, with a few exceptions, since March 2020.

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