AirNZ flights start on Monday

READY FOR TAKE-OFF: Gisborne Airport reopens on Monday with Air New Zealand flights to and from Auckland and Wellington. Sunair will resume direct flights to Tauranga and Hamilton on May 25. Private charter flights will also be available from Air Gisborne and Air Napier. File picture

Gisborne airport will reopen to Air New Zealand flights on Monday but subject to strict guidelines laid down by the Government under Covid-19 Alert Level 2.

Airports around the country will operate “a new kind of normal” for safe flying as domestic travel and general aviation expands under Alert Level 2.

“It's great to see flights and other forms of travel starting again, reconnecting Tairawhiti to the rest of New Zealand,” said Matt Todd, chief executive of airport operator Eastland Group.

“While the number of flights will be significantly reduced for now, this is an important step and we hope to see more flights gradually added to the schedule as demand increases.

“As well as enabling people to fly on business once again, or visit family and friends after a long time apart, this will also provide a boost to our local tourism industry.”

Mayor Rehette Stoltz said it was good news for the region.

“We are excited to see Air New Zealand's first flights at Level 2 back into Gisborne on Monday.

“We look forward to settling back into our ‘new normal'. I know that our hotels, shops and tourist operators will be looking forward to welcoming visitors to our piece of paradise.”

Air New Zealand will be operating flights to and from Auckland and Wellington from Monday, May 18.

Sunair will resume direct flights to Tauranga and Hamilton from May 25.

Private charter flights will also be available from Air Gisborne and Air Napier.

In line with new guidance from government agencies, airports around New Zealand have additional measures in place to help travellers adhere to Covid-19 requirements.

These include physical distancing in terminals and high standards of hygiene and cleaning.

“The emphasis is on keeping travellers, staff and our community safe,” said Mr Todd.

At Gisborne Airport the terminal will be open to passengers an hour before their flight departs.

All visitors must use the main carpark. The temporary overflow area will be closed.

Only passengers and staff can enter the terminal.

Any passenger requiring special assistance should talk to the staff member at the front door.

Travellers must be farewelled outside the terminal.

The café will be open to serve passengers and staff only.

The seating inside the terminal, as well as the check-in and baggage claim areas, will be reconfigured to comply with physical distancing requirements.

Each airline is following strict protocols around hygiene and physical distancing on flights.

​Government guidelines require travellers to keep records of what travel services they use and who they come in contact with during the journey.

NZ Airport Association chief executive Kevin Ward said airports with general aviation activities such as flight schools, engineering services, aero club flying and other related businesses have also put in place Covid-19 policies and processes and are working with their commercial tenants to meet new health requirements.

“Travellers can expect to see a lot of reminders to allow some extra space between themselves and other travellers they don't know. New signs, floor markers and information announcements reflecting the Government's official advice are now in place at terminals across the country,” he said.

“This will help passengers do the right thing.”