Air New Zealand’s Online Payment System Disrupts Flight Bookings

Air New Zealand is experiencing significant disruptions to its online payment systems, impacting flight bookings and fare adjustments nationwide. Customers attempting to purchase flights or modify existing reservations through the airline’s website and mobile app after 3pm on March 15, 2024, encountered a notification indicating that the airline was “unable to take payment.”

In a statement released at 5:30pm, Jeremy O’Brien, the airline’s chief commercial officer, acknowledged the technical difficulties. “We are currently experiencing an issue with our online payment systems, meaning customers can’t make payments for bookings through our website or app,” he stated. O’Brien assured the public that the airline’s teams are diligently working to identify the cause of the disruption and restore services as swiftly as possible.

The outage has left many customers frustrated, particularly as travel demand increases following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. Travelers relying on digital platforms for booking flights have been left in limbo, unable to proceed with their plans or make necessary changes to existing itineraries.

Air New Zealand has not yet provided a timeline for when the online payment systems will be operational again. Customers have been advised to monitor the airline’s official communication channels for updates. In the meantime, those needing assistance with bookings are encouraged to reach out to the airline’s customer service directly.

This incident underscores the critical importance of reliable digital infrastructure in the airline industry, where online transactions are a primary method for customers to manage their travel arrangements. As Air New Zealand works towards a resolution, the impact on customer experience remains a pressing concern.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the status of Air New Zealand’s online payment systems.