Air New Zealand has once again been forced to cancel its Auckland-Seoul route due to ongoing engine availability issues, marking another setback for the airline’s long-haul network. The airline confirmed on Wednesday that the final flight from Seoul to Auckland will take place on March 29, 2025, with no clear timeline for when, or if, the route will resume.
The Auckland-Seoul route had only recently made its return, operating three times a week as a seasonal service. Initially relaunched four months ago, the route was scheduled to return in October 2025. However, persistent supply chain problems affecting the availability of spare engine parts have led Air New Zealand to suspend the service indefinitely.
The airline cited “ongoing engine availability challenges across its fleet” as the primary reason for the suspension. The global aviation industry has been grappling with supply chain disruptions, affecting airlines worldwide. This has led to delays in the production and maintenance of aircraft engines, forcing airlines to adjust their flight schedules.
For Air New Zealand, these challenges are particularly problematic as they operate a fleet that relies on engines that have been in high demand for maintenance and replacement parts. Without access to the necessary components, the airline faces constraints in maintaining operations across its long-haul network.
During its limited return, Air New Zealand had been offering around 40,000 seats between Auckland and Seoul, with over 130 flights scheduled throughout the season. The route had gained significance for both business and leisure travelers, strengthening ties between New Zealand and South Korea.
A high-profile business delegation had even visited Seoul in September 2024 to celebrate the return of the service, recognizing South Korea as an important market for Air New Zealand. The flight, which takes approximately 11-12 hours, was seen as a valuable connection between the two countries, facilitating tourism, trade, and investment opportunities.
The sudden cancellation is likely to cause disruptions for travelers who had been planning to use the service. Air New Zealand will need to assist affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements, either by rebooking them on partner airlines or providing refunds.
The Auckland-Seoul route has faced multiple setbacks since its initial launch in late 2019. Introduced just months before the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was quickly suspended as international travel restrictions took effect. After several years of uncertainty, the route finally made a comeback, only to now be suspended again due to engine shortages.
This latest development highlights the ongoing operational challenges faced by airlines as they navigate a post-pandemic recovery while dealing with supply chain constraints. While demand for international travel has rebounded significantly, airlines continue to struggle with aircraft maintenance and the timely delivery of spare parts.
Air New Zealand has not provided a definitive timeline for when the Auckland-Seoul route might return. Given the current industry-wide engine supply issues, the airline is likely prioritizing its most profitable and operationally feasible routes.
The airline will need to evaluate when it can secure sufficient engine capacity to support the route’s reinstatement. Until then, travelers hoping to fly directly between Auckland and Seoul will need to rely on alternative carriers or transit options.
This decision underscores the broader challenges faced by airlines globally, as supply chain disruptions continue to impact operations. Whether Air New Zealand can reinstate the route in the coming years will depend on how quickly engine manufacturers can resolve these supply constraints and provide reliable support for airlines worldwide.
