Air NZ cancels flights to Hong Kong as demand drops

3.00pm

Air New Zealand has cancelled some flights on its Hong Kong and Japan routes in May and June because forward bookings have dropped off, the airline said today.

However, it will still fly to Asia despite rising fears over the outbreak of pneumonia-like virus severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).

Sars has killed nearly 80 people and infected 2300, mostly in China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Air NZ says customers who have booked flights before yesterday but who want to heed Health Ministry advice to delay non-essential trips can postpone their flights until July 31.

Air NZ's customer support policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it supported the ministry's travel advisory, the airline said in a statement.

- NZPA