Passenger numbers are recovering quickly at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Michael Craig
Auckland Airport is warning of delays and queues as travel surges around Christmas and is urging passengers not to take frustration out on frontline staff.
While there have only been a few cases, some customers have abused workers.
Staff shortages and Covid-19 sickness have hit as passenger numbers head for pre-pandemic levels.
While jet fuel rationing at Auckland was lifted for airlines today, over the past week it with supplies cut to 75 per cent international flights have been disrupted.
Emirates recently-reinstated Airbus A380 non-stop flight to Dubai had to touch down in Sydney, United Airlines and American Airlines flights stopped in Hawaii on what were meant to be non-stop flights to the US mainland and Hawaiian Airlines touched down in Papeete on an Auckland-Honolulu flight. Most international flights have had to carry less cargo, including presents on their way for Christmas.
Cath O’Brien, executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives (Barnz) said airlines had worked hard to deliver services for customers during the rationing of fuel supply following the delivery of a bad batch of jet fuel to Marsden Point.
“Airlines want to thank passengers for their patience during this period. It has been challenging for my member airlines to work around the issue and ensure our services during the hectic time leading up to Christmas went ahead, but they have managed incredibly well.”
Airlines are also facing increased problems here with delayed and misplaced baggage, further compounding travel stress.
Christchurch Airport is also asking for patience and understanding as it deals with its busiest season for two years, and Air New Zealand has also warned of delays.
At Auckland Airport, Scott Tasker, said about 50,000 people would be flying in and out of New Zealand on December 24 and Christmas Eve.”
‘‘It’s a very different place to where Auckland Airport was 12 months ago, when just over 2700 people arrived and departed internationally those same two days.’' said Tasker, Customer and Aeronautical Commercial GM.
While travel demand has ramped up fast there were still challenges across the system as the industry recovered from the pandemic.
“Most of the businesses and organisations at the airport are still struggling to fill vacant roles and uptick in Covid case numbers isn’t helping. Our teams are all working really hard to get people where they need to be this summer holiday, but there are times when there may be delays and queues,” said Tasker.
“We realise this can be frustrating for travellers but ask that you don’t take it out on the frontline staff at the airport – they are there to help get you to your destination safely, not be abused. We’re only talking about a small minority of passengers here, but it can be pretty tough for staff working in public-facing roles.’'
At Auckland Airport there are about 1600 jobs vacant across airlines, suppliers and government agencies.
Tasker said the demand for travel – both domestically and internationally – has been extremely high and airlines have worked hard to add in capacity.
The airport was now at about 70 per cent of international airline seat capacity compared to 2019.
But load factors – the number of passengers booked on each flight – are extremely high.
‘‘We’re seeing this in our forecast numbers, where there are no days that stand out as being noticeably busier – it’s going to be consistently busy across the summer travel period.”
Air New Zealand has reported near-full planes and has issued the same warning of queues and delays.
Chief customer and sales officer at Air NZ Leanne Gerarghty said airports, security screening and check-in areas are going to be much busier than usual these holidays.
‘‘We’re asking customers to allow additional time to get to and through the airport, they are travelling from and to be as patient as possible as our staff who are working to get everyone to their holiday destination,” said Geraghty.
On December 23 Air NZ will carry more than 55,000 customers – up from 31,000 (or 77 per cent) on last year when international borders were closed.
More than 50,000 customers are also expected to fly on December 15, 16, 22, 27 and 28.
Tasker said staff felt pride in the work they did.
‘’They were proud to keep New Zealand protected during the pandemic and they’re proud to play a big part in our reconnection with the world.”
Meanwhile, a million passengers are expected through Christchurch Airport this month and next in what will be its busiest summer in two years.
Chief aeronautical and commercial officer Justin Watson said travel rebounded strongly after the Covid pandemic’s arrival, so domestic and international arrivals and departures will be up on the previous two festive seasons.
“It’s exciting to already see increased numbers of people through the terminal for what will perhaps be their first family gathering in some time,” he said.
Watson said the key to a stress-free airport visit in the coming weeks was preparation.
“We ask people to give themselves a little more time when they come to the airport. That includes working out how long it’ll take to get here in Christmas traffic, considering where to park and perhaps booking it online ahead of time.
“Passengers should check airline guidelines and flight schedules before they arrive and have all luggage, including carry-on, under weight limits. With that many people on flights, there won’t be extra room for extra bags,” he said.
“We hope everyone will be patient and understanding, with teams right across the campus doing their best to make Christmas a great experience for everyone.’'
Scott Tasker’s summer travel trips:
Top 3 days: International Arrivals
Top 3 days: International Departures
Top 3 days: Domestic Arrivals
Top 3 days: domestic departures
A 737 Max fuselage panel broke free shortly after takeoff in January 2024.