Blaming continuing border uncertainty, Air New Zealand cancelled 1,000 flights to Australia. Flights are axed until 31 December and impacts at least 20,000 customers.
Air NZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty blamed the NZ government for a lack of clarity over reopening.
"Our hands are tied until border restrictions ease," the airline said.
Air NZ says it will keep operating some ‘red flights’ which does are not for quarantine-free travel.
"This will be particularly tough news for families and friends who were hoping to catch up over Christmas," Geraghty said.
New Zealand plans to keep a tight rein on Covid and keep its quarantine regime until early 2022.
Australia allows quarantine-free travel from New Zealand which rests with each state and territory to permit international travel.
The airline said it will maintain its current 2022 schedule pending further updates on reopening from the government.
