NEW WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR LARGER PETS TAKING DOMESTIC AIR NEW ZEALAND FLIGHTS

Air New Zealand has temporarily grounded larger pets on some domestic flights following a series of staff injuries while loading heavy carriers into aircraft holds.

The airline has introduced new size and weight restrictions for smaller domestic flights. From next week, pets and carriers weighing more than a combined 60 kilograms will no longer be accepted.

The changes were made to protect staff, Air NZ’s Chief Safety and Integrity Officer Nathan McGraw told Morning Report.

“It’s a tough call, and we appreciate this will be disappointing for some owners. It’s worth noting that larger pets make up a smaller proportion of travellers,” McGraw said.

He explained that over the past two years, staff have suffered more than 50 injuries while handling large or bulky carriers in confined aircraft holds.

“When loading these carriers, there’s a lot of moving, tilting, and positioning—especially if the animal moves inside the crate. This creates a risk both to our people and to the wellbeing of the pet,” he said.

Owners who need to travel with animals or carriers exceeding 60 kilograms can still do so by using a pet transport company.

“They work closely with our team,” McGraw said. “You can still book the pet as part of your ticket, but the journey is arranged through those transport companies. For jet services, larger crates can be accommodated this way.”