Many travelers have unexpectantly had their holiday extended in the Cook Islands, while others have been unable to get there due to Auckland's airport closure. Auckland International Airport (AKL) is a crucial feeder of flights to the Cook Islands, with Air New Zealand being the airport's leading international carrier.
NZ945 canceled / NZ29 diverted
Air New Zealand canceled its direct service to Auckland on January 27 and 28, while NZ29 from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) was diverted to the island paradise. The aircraft arriving from Houston, ZK-NZM, a five-year-old Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, eventually ferried its stranded passengers to Auckland on January 28 as NZ6071.
Air New Zealand is currently rebooking its passengers at a rate of two per minute, with approximately 9,000 displaced globally. With several passengers still displaced in Rarotonga, some travelers are expected to remain there until the end of the week.
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Keeping in touch with airlines
Karla Eggelton, chief executive for the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, has been watching the situation closely and confirmed there are several flights backlogged, and a resolution should be found by this weekend:
“We are watching the weather updates over the next 24-48 hours for greater Auckland and will stay in touch with airlines to understand any further disruptions if any,
''Our advice to travellers is to stay abreast of developments and be sure to have travel insurance – this will assist in peace of mind.”
Rarotonga to Wellington
Travelers departing on an Air New Zealand flight from the Cook Islands to Auckland on January 26 were diverted to Wellington due to Auckland's flooding. NZ945 departed Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) at 15:16 and, once diverted, landed at Wellington International Airport (WLG) at 19:31. A three-year-old Airbus A320, registration ZK-NHD, operated the flight.
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Hotels accommodating delayed passengers
Air New Zealand has been in continuous contact with hotels about the evolving situation, with Marcus Niszow, chief executive for Pacific Resort Hotel Group, stating:
“All our resorts have seen a number of inbound and outbound visitors impacted by Auckland Airport disruptions, about a dozen bookings in total.
“Most of the affected outbound guests are in good spirits and making the most of their extended stay. Inbound guests are understandably disappointed with delays and working with their airlines and our reservations team to rebook their travel.”
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Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)
Papa Rererangi o Rarotonga - Rarotonga International Airport in Cook Islands Maori is the leading international gateway for the Cook Islands. The airport was constructed in 1944 and expanded in 1970.
The airport is notable for the island ring road being near the runway, creating a unique spot for plane spotters and thrill seekers hoping to be close to the jet blast. Three tourists were injured in 2015 by an Air New Zealand 777's jet blast on takeoff from the vantage point.
With tourism making up two-thirds of the country's GDP, the government relies heavily on tourists from New Zealand and those further afield, with many kiwis visiting the island for their vacations.
Current operations at the Rarotonga International Airport are:
-
Air New Zealand
- Auckland
-
Air Rarotonga
- Aitutaki
- Atiu
- Mangaia
- Manihiki,
- Mauke
- Mitiaro
- Papeete
- Penrhyn Island
- Pukapuka
- Hawaiian Airlines
-
Jetstar
- Auckland
- Sydney (taking off June 29)
Sources: Cook Islands News
-
Air New Zealand
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- NZ/ANZ
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport
- Year Founded:
- 1965
- Alliance:
- Star Alliance
- CEO:
- Greg Foran
- Country:
- New Zealand
- Region:
- Oceania
-
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- IAH/KIAH
- Country:
- United States
- CEO:
- Mario C. Diaz
- Passenger Count :
- 18,213,913 (2020)
- Runways :
- 15L/33R - 3,658m (12,001ft) | 15R/33L - 3,048m (10,000ft) | 9/27 - 3,048m (10,000ft) | 8L/26R - 2,743m (9,000ft) | 8R/26L - 2,866m (9,402ft)
- Terminals:
- Terminal A | Terminal B | Terminal C | Terminal D | Terminal E
