Air New Zealand plans to launch world’s longest flight to London

Air New Zealand recently sought daily flight slots at London Heathrow but faced denial, a common scenario due to the high demand for limited slots at this busy airport. Accessing Heathrow is challenging as many airlines apply and almost all are rejected, often leading to the necessity of acquiring slots from current holders. In a somewhat favorable turn, Air New Zealand secured daily slots at London Gatwick, potentially allowing flights starting in July 2025. However, the airline's decision to move forward with these plans and the choice of transit points remain uncertain. Previously, Air New Zealand operated direct flights from Auckland to Heathrow via Los Angeles before selling its slots for $27 million in 2020. From a transportation expert's perspective, the challenges faced by Air New Zealand at Heathrow underscore the broader issue of slot scarcity at major international airports. As congestion increases, especially post-pandemic, airlines are being pushed to explore secondary airports like Gatwick, which might be less desirable but provide operational flexibility in an increasingly competitive environment. The need for effective strategies to optimize routes and adapt to market conditions becomes paramount for airlines looking to maintain robust international connectivity.