The US Travel Association reports that some major US airports are experiencing longer-than-usual security wait times due to the combined impact of the ongoing partial US Government shutdown and the busy Spring Break travel period.
Airports reporting higher congestion include Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New Orleans.
Air New Zealand has advised that it is not currently experiencing delays at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). However, travellers are encouraged to:
IAH’s official website also recommends arriving earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays at security.
Airlines operating to, from, and through Japan and South Korea are tightening rules around the use of portable power banks.
For Japan, reports indicate that a ban on using power banks in-flight is expected to come into effect from April.
In South Korea, Korean Air has confirmed that power banks cannot be used or charged onboard and must be stored in the seat pocket for the duration of the flight. This rule has already been implemented. Other South Korean carriers have also reportedly strengthened their policies regarding onboard power bank usage.
Travellers are encouraged to check airline-specific guidance before departure, as requirements may differ between carriers.
Qantas will introduce new lounge access rules for Jetstar travellers from 01st July.
Key changes include:
Qantas has also recently completed upgrades across several regional lounges and the Los Angeles Business Lounge. Work is now underway on the new Sydney International Business Lounge, scheduled for completion in early 2027.
Air New Zealand is celebrating 60 years since launching its first service between Auckland and Hong Kong – a milestone that marked a significant step in the airline’s international growth.
The inaugural flight became well‑known for its dramatic arrival into Kai Tak Airport, where pilots navigated a challenging approach between high‑rise buildings before landing on the harbour‑side runway – a moment still remembered fondly by many travellers.
Air New Zealand says the route has connected New Zealanders with Asia for six decades, supporting travellers, exporters, visitors, and business partners throughout its long‑haul expansion.
Jetstar has announced a new seasonal international service connecting Christchurch and Perth, beginning October 2026.
The direct, three‑times‑per‑week service will offer more than 30,000 low‑fare seats per year, creating a convenient new option for travel between the South Island and Western Australia.
Operating from 27th October 2026 through March 2027, the route will be served by Jetstar’s Perth‑based Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Hawaiian Airlines has confirmed it will resume seasonal Auckland–Honolulu services under the HA brand, operating three times weekly from 17th November 2026 through late April 2027.
The airline’s current summer seasonal service will continue through to 20th April 2026, maintaining connectivity into Hawaii ahead of the extended 2026–27 programme. Hawaiian Airlines has served the New Zealand market since 2013, reinforcing its long‑standing presence in the region.
Set to open in April 2026, One New Zealand Stadium will become Christchurch’s newest fully roofed, multi‑purpose venue and an important milestone in the city’s long‑term regeneration. Designed with a strong focus on accessibility, sustainability, and improved event capability, the stadium will offer flexible spaces suitable for major sporting fixtures, concerts, and community events, providing a modern and weather‑proof experience for attendees year‑round.
The venue also represents the continuation of Christchurch’s proud sporting legacy, following on from Lancaster Park and the interim Apollo Projects Stadium. With its emphasis on community use, local procurement, and long‑term environmental considerations, One New Zealand Stadium stands as a symbol of renewal for Ōtautahi and will serve as a vibrant hub for sport, entertainment, and cultural events in the region.
Air New Zealand and Air Chathams have officially operated their first interline flight, introducing seamless same‑ticket travel for journeys to and from Whakatāne.
The new partnership allows customers to book a single domestic ticket that combines both airlines’ services, enabling smoother connections onto Air New Zealand’s wider network and providing through‑checked baggage for connecting journeys. The launch is positioned as an important step towards improving regional connectivity and making travel across Aotearoa more convenient.
Both airlines have indicated that this is the first phase of a broader plan to expand interline connectivity into additional regions, with the aim of offering more travel options and simpler connections for customers over time.
Singapore Airlines has expanded its London Gatwick schedule, with services now increased to 14 flights per week from March 2026. This almost doubles the airline’s previous frequency and reflects continued demand across the Europe–Asia market.
The uplift provides travellers with additional departure options across morning, afternoon, and evening periods, improving flexibility and connectivity into Southeast Asia, including onward services to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta via Singapore Airlines and SilkAir.
This expansion sits alongside the carrier’s existing London Heathrow and Manchester operations, further strengthening the airline’s overall UK–Singapore network.
Auckland Airport has introduced a temporary new check‑in area, known as Zone T, which is now operational as part of ongoing upgrades to the international terminal.
Zone T is located beside the Transport Hub and includes 28 staffed check‑in counters. Travellers who are allocated to this area will complete check‑in and have their bags weighed here before taking their checked bags into the main terminal to Zone B, where they will be re‑weighed and dropped off.
The introduction of Zone T allows the airport to continue operating smoothly while major improvements are underway, including the development of a new check‑in zone with modern self‑service options.
Zone T will generally be used during peak afternoon and evening periods throughout the Northern Summer season, with operating times expected to expand during Northern Winter. Exact usage may vary depending on the airline and time of day.
Travellers can check their assigned check‑in zone on the Auckland Airport website from 24 hours before departure. Additional airport staff and updated signage are in place to help guide passengers to the correct area.
Hamilton Airport has received approval for a runway extension supported by a $6.5 million Government loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. The project is designed to strengthen the resilience of the Waikato aviation network and support future growth.
The upgrade will extend the runway by 255 metres, bringing it to 2450 metres, and includes expanding the apron and turning bay, as well as upgrading approach and runway lighting. These improvements will also allow for potential future extensions.
The investment aims to increase the airport’s ability to accommodate a wider range of aircraft and support both passenger and freight movements across the region. Hamilton Airport is considered an important fallback option when weather or operational disruptions affect other North Island airports.
Construction is expected to create up to 39 local jobs, with the airport contributing an additional $3.3 million towards the project.
Wellington Airport has completed the installation of new runway safety zones, including energy‑absorbing EMAS blocks at both ends of the runway. The system provides an additional safeguard in the event of an aircraft overrun and also optimises available runway length, increasing landing distance by 143 metres and take‑off distance by 37 metres.
With the updated runway dimensions, the airport is now capable of accommodating next‑generation widebody aircraft operating non‑stop from major hubs in Asia and North America. The enhancements will also support full passenger loads on future long‑haul services.
While no new routes have been announced, Wellington Airport notes that the region remains the largest market in Australasia without a direct link to Asia. As industry conditions stabilise, the airport anticipates welcoming long‑haul services to the capital when the time is right.
