Engine Shortage Forces Air New Zealand to Scrap Seoul Route, Again
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One of Air New Zealand’s newest long-haul routes is ending after just a single season. On Wednesday, the airline confirmed that its Auckland to Seoul service will not return. The last flight from the South Korean capital to New Zealand is due on March 29.
The three-times weekly seasonal link resumed just four months ago and was due to be back in October 2025. However, supply chain problems affecting the availability of spare parts forced the airline to suspend the route indefinitely.
Air New Zealand said “ongoing engine availability challenges across its fleet,” were to blame.
The airline is offering around 40,000 seats between the cities during the current season on board more than 130 flights. A high-profile business delegation visited Seoul in September 2024 to celebrate the return of the service, with the country described as “an important market” for the airline. Journey times between the cities are around 11-12 hours.
Wednesday’s developments are the latest turbulence to hit the operation of the South Korean route. It was launched in late 2019, just months b
