Many of the world’s airlines and governments require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before a person can board a flight, but very few have said they will require vaccination.
Air New Zealand has announced that it will require passengers to be vaccinated on international flights from February.
The airline’s chief executive Greg Foran said in an email to customers that the move was “a step towards opening back up to the world”.
He added: “It looks like proof of vaccination and pre-departure testing are going to be a part of flying for a while yet.
“Increasingly, the places Kiwis like to fly to will be closed to unvaccinated visitors, and we’re working on ways to streamline the travel process for you.”
The rule will affect international travellers aged 18 and over departing or arriving in New Zealand.
It follows a similar move from Australia-based Qantas.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said as early as late last year that the airline would only take vaccinated passengers when international travel resumes.