Air New Zealand trims routes owing to engine issues
February 8, 2025
Air New Zealand has announced it will not resume its seasonal flights to Seoul in October 2025, citing ongoing engine availability issues.
The decision means the airline’s final direct flight between Incheon (ICN) and Auckland (AKL) will take place on 29 March 2025.
The airline has been managing disruptions caused by industry-wide engine supply constraints, impacting flight schedules and operations. Air New Zealand has not specified when or if direct flights to Seoul might return in the future.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien said: “We understand this will be disappointing for some customers, and we sincerely apologise for the impact. Due to the ongoing challenges with engine availability, we have reviewed our network to ensure we are set up to operate our schedule effectively and best deliver for our customers’ needs.”
Engine availability issues have become a growing challenge for the airline industry, driven by supply chain disruptions, manufacturing delays, and increased demand for maintenance and repairs.
Airlines worldwide are facing grounded aircraft and reduced flight schedules due to a shortage of spare parts and slower production of new engines.
These challenges stem from post-pandemic recovery pressures, labour shortages, and complex regulatory requirements.
The impact is expected to persist, with airlines and manufacturers working to find long-term solutions.
Air New Zealand confirmed that affected passengers will be contacted directly and offered rebooking options on alternative routes, including stopovers and connections with partner carriers. Customers can also opt for a fare credit or a full refund.
While the direct service is ending, Air New Zealand customers can still reach South Korea via other Asian destinations, such as Singapore, Taipei, or Hong Kong, before transferring onto partner airlines.
