Air New Zealand Qantas Codeshare Ends: Group Air Notes

Short answer: Qantas says its partnership with Air New Zealand ends on 7 April 2027. Qantas-coded flights operated by Air New Zealand can no longer be booked from that date, and later bookings move to Air New Zealand flight numbers. Explera DMC New Zealand checks every group's domestic sectors against the change.

The arrangement began in 2018. Qantas placed its code on up to 30 of Air New Zealand's domestic New Zealand routes, and Air New Zealand placed its code on up to 85 of Qantas's domestic Australian routes. For agents selling New Zealand, the side that matters is the Qantas code on flights inside New Zealand.

What does Qantas say changes?

Travel before 7 April 2027. Bookings are not affected.
Travel on or after 7 April 2027. Qantas or the travel agent updates the itinerary to a flight with an Air New Zealand flight number.
Frequent flyer points. Qantas says members still earn the points and status credits of the original booking.
Lounges. Access to Air New Zealand lounges for eligible Qantas members ends on 7 April 2027.

What should agents check for groups?

Flight numbers on existing bookings. Look for Qantas-coded domestic sectors in New Zealand on or after 7 April 2027 and expect them to be reissued on Air New Zealand numbers.
Client briefing. A client who booked a Qantas flight number will board an Air New Zealand flight. Say so in the documents so the change at check-in is not a surprise.
Lounge and status promises. If a programme promises lounge access to Qantas members on domestic sectors, take it out for travel from 7 April 2027.

What comes next?

Travel Today reported in October 2026 that Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia applied in mid-September to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to extend their trans-Tasman codeshare to each other's domestic flights. That is an application, not an approval, so we do not plan on it.

A check-in agent checking a passport at an airport counter

How Explera DMC New Zealand can help

We request and hold group space on domestic flights within New Zealand as part of a programme; the ticket is issued by your agency or its consolidator. See group tours, getting around New Zealand and our group booking lead times guide.

FAQ

When does the Air New Zealand and Qantas codeshare end? Qantas says the partnership ends on 7 April 2027.

What happens to bookings for travel before 7 April 2027? Qantas says they are not affected.

What happens to a Qantas-coded Air New Zealand flight on or after 7 April 2027? Qantas or the travel agent updates the itinerary to an Air New Zealand flight number.

Is a new Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia domestic codeshare approved? No. Travel Today reported an application to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in September 2026, not an approval.