A global jet‑fuel supply crisis has forced Air New Zealand to cancel more than 1,100 flights through early May, triggering travel disruptions across the region and raising concerns in Tonga, where families, businesses, and seasonal workers rely heavily on New Zealand’s air links.
The airline confirmed that approximately 44,000 passengers will be affected as skyrocketing jet‑fuel prices—driven by Middle East tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—hammer New Zealand’s aviation sector.
The cancellations, which represent a five percent reduction across Air New Zealand’s entire network, will focus on off‑peak services, but both domestic and international flights are included.
Although the exact flights affected have not yet been announced, the short‑haul Pacific routes fall within the risk category, making it highly likely that travel between Auckland and Nukuʻalofa will be disrupted.
Tonga Braces for Travel Uncertainty
Tonga has previously experienced the flow‑on effects of Air New Zealand disruptions. In November 2025, a major Air NZ operational meltdown spread across several countries, including Tonga, where flights to Nukuʻalofa were among those affected.
That episode highlighted the Kingdom’s dependence on New Zealand’s aviation network. In the current crisis, travel agents warn that Tonga‑bound passengers could face reduced seat availability during busy travel periods, unexpected changes in departure times, increasing competition for rebooking slots when schedules shift, and higher ticket prices as fuel surcharges rise.
For Tongans travelling for medical referrals, schooling, funerals, business or seasonal‑worker programmes, any reduction in travel reliability could cause significant hardship.
Fuel Crisis Rooted in Global Conflict
The disruption originates from a severe global fuel shortage linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial waterway carrying about 20 percent of the world’s petroleum—has sharply reduced access to aviation kerosene.
Jet‑fuel prices have more than doubled, and New Zealand, which now relies entirely on imported refined fuel after shutting down domestic refining, has been hit especially hard.
New Zealand’s jet‑fuel reserves totalled only around 50 days at the start of March, underscoring how vulnerable the country is to international market fluctuations and shipping delays, according to RNZ.
Airline Advice
Air New Zealand has advised travellers to monitor their flight updates closely through the Air NZ app or website.
Passengers affected by schedule changes will be contacted directly via email, and those whose new flight timings no longer suit their plans are entitled to full refunds regardless of fare class.
Travel‑management offices have been notified to expect rolling cancellations and to be prepared to assist passengers with last‑minute rerouting.
