Air New Zealand will be increasing its weekly flights to Tonga to six from 31 October, after the Tongan Government lifted most of its COVID-19 health restrictions on 27 September.

The airline is currently operating three flights weekly.

A spokesperson from the airline told Matangi Tonga today that there was strong demand for flights between Auckland and Tonga.

"There are three flights a week and future demand is looking to be holding steady. We’ll be increasing to six flights per week from 31 October."

After two-years and six-months, Tonga has lifted most of its COVID-19 health restrictions, including that for international travel and the national curfew.

The border (air/sea) has now fully re-opened with the only requirement remaining for foreigners (age 12 years and above) to provide proof of vaccination before arrival.