Air New Zealand wishes to advise that Christchurch Airport is currently closed due to a 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck this afternoon local time.

Once Christchurch Airport advises that the airport has reopened and flights can resume into and out of Christchurch we understand that some ticketed passengers’ reason and need to travel may change. Accordingly the following flexibility will be permitted on all fare types for passengers ticketed prior to the Tuesday 22nd February for travel to/from Christchurch up to and including Friday 25th March. This information relates specifically to tickets issued on Air New Zealand 086 ticket stock and covers both domestic and international travel.

Options are as follows:

· Passengers ticketed for travel to and from Christchurch prior to and including Friday 25th March may defer their travel to a later Air New Zealand flight in the same booking class inside 12-months of the original date of travel without penalty. If only higher booking classes are available, the fare differential will apply. If the proposed date of travel is unknown, then the value of the ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.

· Passengers ticketed to travel to Christchurch prior to and including Friday 25th March may change their travel to another Air New Zealand destination without penalty. In this instance any applicable fare differential will apply.

· Passengers who are ticketed and wish to bring their travel to/from Christchurch forward to a date on/prior to Friday 11th March may do so in the same cabin (regardless of booking class) without penalty and fare difference. If a cabin upgrade is required the fare differential will apply.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL SCENARIOS:

· Please endorse any changes “Invol reroute due CHC earthquake”

· Any incidental costs and penalties such as accommodation etc will be the passengers own responsibility.

· Normal refund policy/procedures apply, i.e. non-refundable tickets remain non-refundable.

· Passengers should be referred to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs.

· Normal terms and conditions apply to tickets purchased on and after Tuesday the 22nd February



Air New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation in Christchurch and advise of any changes should the need arise.

Christchurch Airport is hoping to open at 8am wed for DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ONLY. Check with your airline before coming out to airport.

Air NZ offering $50 seats on any flight to or from CHC till Fri morn. Book at AirNZ website or contact centre. Extra 747 to op akl-chc 2mrw.

Times for the special flights are as follows: Depart AKL 10:30, arrive ChCh 11:50 Depart ChCH 13:20, arrive AKL 14:50

Air New Zealand airfare and additional flight information for Christchurch
22 February 2011

All available fares on Air New Zealand domestic services from any point on the domestic network to/from Christchurch for booking and travel through until 8am Friday morning are available for $50 one way.

They can be booked via the Air New Zealand website and call centre.

In addition, Air New Zealand will operate a return Auckland-Christchurch service tomorrow utilising a Boeing 747-400, with seats available at the $50 fare.

Times for the special flights are as follows:

* Depart Auckland 10:30, arrive Christchurch 11:50
* Depart Christchurch 13:20, arrive Auckland 14:50

Meantime, Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe, who is in Christchurch, has this evening been in contact with the Prime Minister and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker offering the full resources of the airline.

Air New Zealand will regularly review capacity and compassionate fare requirements over the coming days.

Ends

Previous updates for flights to and from Christchurch available on the Air New Zealand website.

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs +64 21 747 320