Flights from Auckland to Christchurch remain operational today, despite the Government urging Aucklanders to stay home at Alert level 3.

On the Government’s website it says “Under Alert Level 3 you should continue to stay in your household bubbles whenever you are not at work or school.”

“You should stay within your household bubble but can expand this to connect with close family/whānau, or bring in caregivers, or support isolated people.”

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman says from 12.00pm today, Air New Zealand’s Auckland lounges and valet parking will close.

She says for the duration of the change in alert levels, Air New Zealand will also be taking extra precautions to keep people safe.

Front of house employees and domestic cabin crew will wear masks and gloves, and pilots will wear masks when interacting with customers or walking through the terminal.

 Customers on flights departing from Auckland will be also be required to wear masks.

Customers are welcome to bring their own, or these will be provided by the airline onboard.

Air New Zealand recommends that its customers traveling from other ports also wear masks, however this will not be a requirement.

Customers who hold a ticket for a domestic flight within New Zealand and are scheduled to depart before 11.59 PM Sunday 16 August may opt to hold their fare in credit and can do this via the airline’s online booking tool.

Customers who are unable to manage their booking online and no longer wish to travel do not need to contact Air New Zealand immediately or prior to their flight’s departure, and can be assisted at a later date to find an alternative flight option or be provided with a credit note.