Air New Zealand has announced the start of services from Rarotonga, Cook Islands, to New Zealand after the recent announcement of a one-way quarantine-free travel route, stating “this is the first step of the phased approach to two-way quarantine-free travel between the two nations.”

The airline will welcome the first flight from Cook Islands into Auckland on 21 January at 10:50am, and will operate two flights per week, departing Rarotonga on Wednesdays and Saturdays using the airline’s A320 fleet.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the airline was making headway with two-way safe quarantine-free travel.

“This is fantastic news for both Cook Islanders and New Zealanders. We know many Cook Islanders will be eager to connect with friends and family in New Zealand, and we look forward to seeing what a two-way quarantine-free travel arrangement will look like.”

“Of course, safety is our first priority for our customers and staff. We’ve been working closely with both governments, relevant agencies and airports on what is required to keep our customers and staff safe once travel opens up.”

Health checks for quarantine-free travel from Cook Islands to New Zealand will occur both at Rarotonga International Airport and in Auckland Airport on arrival.

Customers travelling from Rarotonga to New Zealand will be required to wear masks inflight and will arrive at Auckland Airport into a designated area separated from passengers arriving on quarantine flights.