Flight delays in New Zealand have reached historic highs, with Air New Zealand facing significant staff shortages. According to data released by the country’s civil aviation authority, the rate of flight delays has increased by 30% in the past six months, affecting over 15,000 passengers. The airline has attributed the delays to a shortage of pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, which has left the airline struggling to meet demand.
The issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many airline employees leave the industry or take extended periods of leave. Air New Zealand has been trying to recruit new staff, but the process has been slow, and the airline is now facing the consequences. The airline’s chief executive, Greg Foran, has apologized to affected passengers and promised to do everything in his power to resolve the issue.
The government has also been working with the airline to find a solution, with Transport Minister Michael Wood announcing plans to introduce new regulations to make it easier for international airlines to hire and train local staff. However, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be, and many passengers are left frustrated and disappointed by the current state of the airline industry in New Zealand.