Air New Zealand is reportedly considering reintroducing flights between Auckland and London.
The airline has secured 236 slots at Gatwick Airport for daily service beginning in mid-2025, according to ch-aviation.
“We are constantly reviewing our network and we actively listen to the feedback we get from New Zealanders as to where they would love to fly,” an Air New Zealand spokesperson said. “It’s not uncommon for airlines to apply for slots in new airports as part of this network review process.”
“London is one of those destinations New Zealand has a very special connection to and we continue to explore options.”
Air New Zealand first reportedly applied for 420 slots at Heathrow Airport, though its bid was unsuccessful.
Flights between Auckland and London are 18,354 kilometres long. If Air New Zealand relaunches the service, it will again become the longest flight in the world, surpassing the 15,400 kilometre flight between New York City and Singapore.
The airline operated flights from Auckland to London from 1982 to 2020. It was Air New Zealand’s only European route.
"Today Kiwis have more than twice the number of ways to fly to London than a decade ago and preferences have changed,” acting CEO Jeff McDowall said in 2019, announcing the route’s cancellation.
Air New Zealand’s previous flights from Auckland to London stopped in Los Angeles to refuel. Air New Zealand does not currently have ultra-long-haul aircraft, meaning a refueling stop would again be needed.