Operational Constraints Force Emirates To Defer Restart Of A380 Flights To Christchurch, New Zealand

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Emirates has delayed the return of the Airbus A380 to New Zealand's skies, citing operational challenges and limited resources. The Middle East carrier had planned to restart A380 flights in December with its service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney.

Emirates delays Christchurch A380 flights

Emirates won't be flying its Airbus A380s to New Zealand this year after the carrier deferred the resumption of its Dubai-Sydney-Christchurch route. The airline announced that its planned December 1st relaunch will no longer happen due to "ongoing operational constraints and resourcing pressures."

An Emirates spokesperson said,

"Christchurch is an important and strategic route, and we are keen to restart our services to the city as soon as it is operationally feasible."

The airline will now resume this route some time in 2023, although it has not confirmed a new date at this moment.

Emirates Airlines Airbus A380-861 A6-EUK (2)

Emirates has not penciled in a new date for the relaunch yet. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Emirates currently serves Auckland with daily flights to and from Dubai International Airport via Kuala Lumpur using its Boeing 777 fleet. Prior to the pandemic, the airline's Dubai-Auckland service, operated by an A380, was nonstop and one of the world's longest commercial air routes at over 17 hours.

The carrier had previously suggested that it would make this Dubai-Auckland nonstop again and reinstate the Airbus A380, but it may also delay this decision in the face of operational challenges.

New Zealand's flag carrier, Air New Zealand, has also been affected by such challenges after cutting 1.5% of its schedule for the next six months. The carrier cited staff shortages as the primary reason.

NZ premium economy launch

These flights were going to be the New Zealand debut of Emirates' premium economy cabin. Premium economy is available onboard select Emirates A380 aircraft, offering a 40-inch pitch and upgraded entertainment and cuisine.

The spokesperson stated,

"This will unfortunately impact the launch of our highly anticipated Premium Economy cabin on the route, and we hope to be able to bring it to market as soon as conditions allow us to do so."

After unveiling its premium economy cabin to the world in December 2020, the carrier saw huge demand for the upgraded cabin and officially launched its product this month on flights to London, Paris and Sydney.

Emirates' premium economy seats have been in huge demand since fares went on sale. Photo: Emirates

There are currently just six Emirates A380s equipped with the 56-seat premium economy cabin, but the airline has ambitious plans to up this figure to 20-30 aircraft by mid-2023.

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Alternative travel arrangements

Emirates will offer all customers booked on its deferred Christchurch service alternative travel arrangements, including flying to Auckland with Jetstar or traveling to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with Qantas before continuing to Dubai with Emirates.

Emirates added,

""All customers who have booked their flights to or from Christchurch are being offered alternative flight arrangements to ensure minimal interruption to their travel plans, and we aim to make it a smooth and seamless process."

Did you have a booking with Emirates for its upcoming Christchurch service? Have you flown premium economy with Emirates yet? Let us know your stories in the comments.