Government advice on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and CAA information about continuing to operate as an aviation participant.
Page last updated 08 Mar 2021
Visit covid19.govt.nz(external link) Government helpline 0800 779 997
Current alert levels(external link)
Essential businesses(external link)
Looking after your mental wellbeing(external link)
Ministry of Health information for the aviation sector(external link)
Ministry of Transport information for transport operators(external link)
For civil aviation enquiries, email info@caa.govt.nz
06 Mar 2021
With the change in national alert levels, the Ministry of Transport has issued updated Transport Operator Guidance for AL1 and AL2.
Alert Levels 1 and 2: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators - 06 Mar 2021 [PDF 866 KB]
After receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, aviation duties should not be undertaken for a minimum of 24 hours after each dose of the vaccination. This includes pilots, flight crew and flight attendants directly engaged in all forms of commercial and private aviation. It also includes air traffic controllers involved in controlling duties or aircraft maintenance personnel who are required to complete duties involving the ground running, ground taxi or operation of an aircraft.
04 Mar 2021
The Ministry of Transport has issued updated transport operator guidance as at 4 March 2021. The change relates to Section 2: Travel restrictions
Interregional travel between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand
12. Effective 0600 hours on 28 February 2021, interregional travel between the Alert Level 3 Area (Auckland) and the Alert Level 2 Area (the rest of New Zealand) will be restricted. Travel is only permitted for the following reasons:
travelling directly from one part of New Zealand that is in AL2, through Auckland, to another part of New Zealand that is in AL2, or to go overseas, either to return home, or for work, which can include travelling to Auckland Airport with a transiting period of 24 hours or less.
Alert Levels 2 and 3: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators - 04 Mar 2021 [PDF 1 MB]
02 Mar 2021
Kia ora koutou
MoT has sought further clarity from the Ministry of Health about its advice for physical distancing on aircraft operating into, out of, or within Auckland post the 72-hour period (which expires at 0600 hours tomorrow) noted in the guidance. This follows the guidance issued by the Ministry of Transport earlier this week, which can be found on MoT's website(external link) under Guidance for domestic air services.
The Ministry of Health has advised that for aircraft flying into, out of, or within Auckland, where airlines can physically distance passengers they should - i.e. if there is space on a service as not all seats sold.
MoT will be updating the guidance for domestic air services tomorrow morning, Wednesday 3 March. The guidance will not however refer to the previously used seating configurations which was provided by the Ministry of Health.
28 Feb 2021
This guidance is applicable to operators for the provision of all transport services, including public transport, aviation, maritime and other land-based passenger services. To the extent that it is relevant, it may also be used by organisations transporting passengers without hire or reward.
Alert Levels 2 and 3: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators [PDF 1.1 MB]
It is intended to be read in conjunction with official information about COVID-19 Alert Levels 2 and 3 contained on, or linked from, the covid19.govt.nz(external link) webpage and on the Ministry of Transport(external link) website.
23 Feb 2021
Following the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 announcement on Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Transport has updated the transport operator guidance for alert level 1.
Alert Level 1: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators [PDF 305 KB]
18 Feb 2021
This guidance is applicable to operators for the provision of all transport services, including public transport, aviation, maritime and other land-based passenger services. To the extent that it is relevant, it may also be used by organisations transporting passengers without hire or reward.
Alert Levels 1 and 2: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators [PDF 855 KB]
17 Feb 2021 1730hrs
Kia ora koutou
As you may be aware, the Prime Minister has just announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 and the rest of NZ to Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight, Wednesday 17 February.
At this time, we understand that face coverings will need to be work on public transport at Alert Level 1 as well.
The Ministry of Transport is updating guidance for transport operators, and hope to be able to circulate a draft of the guidance tonight. The final guidance will be issued once the new Public Health Order is in place.
15 Feb 2021
The recent alert level changes are a good opportunity to remind yourself what worked well the last time we were faced with this situation. Take time to refresh your memory and your risk mitigations, remind yourself what you did well and what you have learnt from last time. That thinking time will be invaluable to help you to continue to operate safely.
Remember, it's important to speak up and report any concerns, so that support can be provided and risks can be understood and addressed appropriately.
Read more on Managing human performance risks during COVID-19-impacted conditions
Sunday 14 Feb 2021 1940hrs
Tēnā koutou kātoa
As you may be aware, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Dr Ashley Bloomfield have just concluded a press conference relating to today’s developments about the three new COVID-19 community cases in Auckland. Cabinet has formally decided the following:
The three day period will give the Ministry of Health time to gather further information on the source, and undertake further testing.
The Authority is working with the Ministry of Transport to update guidance for operators about this alert level change and we will send this to you as soon as possible.
Details will also be posted on our COVID-19 page.
You can also read general COVID-19 updates and information on covid19.govt.nz(external link).
11 Dec 2020
The new Government COVID-19 advertising and public engagement campaign, “Make Summer Unstoppable” is all about encouraging New Zealanders to continue doing those easy, everyday actions that help keep everyone safe and our businesses open over summer and beyond.
The government will be asking New Zealand to continue their good health practices, keeping COVID-19 in check by washing their hands, scanning QR codes, staying home if they’re feeling even a little sick and getting a test.
You can help to spread the word, reminding and motivating your customers, staff, suppliers, families and friends to do their part to help make summer unstoppable. To help, there's an online toolkit with a range of customisable posters, images and resources which you can you use in whatever way works for you to engage with your clients and customers.
Full stakeholder toolkit(external link)
The brand is flexible and customisable. There is a poster template that you can insert your own imagery into so you can design bespoke ones for any event or venue. There are also separate logos you can incorporate into other materials.
The Google drive already holds collateral examples, more will be added over time. The main advertising campaign will launch in mid-December but you are welcome to start using any of these assets now to get the word out.
20 Nov 2020
The Ministry of Transport has published updated guidance for transport operators at Alert Level 1. The key change is to reflect the exemption issued by the Director-General of Health, which clarifies that: drivers and passengers on school transport services are not required to wear a face covering, and school transport services are not required to display a QR code.
It also includes some messaging on using a face covering safely, and incorporates some minor and technical changes.
Alert Level 1: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators, 20 November 2020 [PDF 833 KB]
Please travel safely [PDF 126 KB]
Track your journey [PDF 93 KB]
Everyone must wear a face covering [PDF 85 KB]
19 Nov 2020
Some passengers on public transport may unable to wear face coverings due to a disability or health condition. To help with this, an exemption card has been developed.
Letter from the Ministry of Health about the exemption card [PDF 78 KB]
17 Nov 2020
The Ministry of Transport has published updated guidance for transport operators at Alert Level 1, with face coverings now mandatory on domestic flights.
Alert Level 1: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators, 17 November 2020 [PDF 618 KB]
16 Nov 2020
As announced by Minister Hipkins(external link), face coverings must be worn by those travelling on all air transport services across New Zealand from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020.
The requirement will apply to air transport services operated for fare-paying passengers, and which are available to the public generally (charter services and tours and private flights will be excluded).
Other exemptions previously agreed for the face covering settings at Alert Level 2, will still apply.
Face coverings can be removed for the purposes of eating, drinking or taking medicines by those on public/air transport journeys, where these activities are ordinarily allowed.
The Ministry of Transport are updating guidance for operators, collateral and online material and will make this material available as soon as possible.
30 Oct 2020
Our Chief Advisor Human Factors Matt Harris provided advice on maintaining mental wellbeing in isolation in the most recent CAA Briefing. The advice is targeted primarily at aircrew but it serves as a good reminder to all of us of what we can do to look after ourselves and our wellbeing if we find ourselves in isolation in the future – whether it is because of a COVID-19 resurgence, or working in a remote or isolated setting.
06 Oct 2020
The Ministry of Transport has published guidance for transport operators at Alert Level 1, effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 7 October. Operators should continue to display QR codes for contact tracing and passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings.
Alert Level 1: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators [PDF 428 KB]
24 Sep 2020
The Ministry of Transport has published guidance for transport operators at Alert Level 1 and 2. Public transport passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings.
Note that any operations that transit to or from an Alert Level 2 area should follow Alert Level 2 guidance.
Alert Level 1 and 2: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators - 24 Sep 2020 [PDF 604 KB]
22 Sep 2020
The Ministry of Transport has published guidance for transport operators at Alert Level 1 and 2. Note that any operations that transit to or from an Alert Level 2 area should follow Alert Level 2 guidance.
There are some slight differences from previous Alert Level 1 guidance so we encourage operators to read this latest guidance.
Alert Level 1 and 2: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators - 21 Sep 2020 [PDF 606 KB]
14 Sep 2020
The Ministry of Transport has published comprehensive guidance for transport operators at Alert Level 2, including information about face coverings, cleaning, and customer compliance.
Alert Level 2: COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators - 14 Sep 2020 [PDF 562 KB]
The Unite against COVID-19(external link) website has been updated with information about regional travel at Alert Level 2 and 3.
24 Aug 2020
Today’s Government decision requiring passengers travelling in any commercial transport to wear face masks will apply from Monday 31 August.
We will provide more detailed information once it becomes available from the Ministry of Transport.
18 Aug 2020
There are a number of participants overseas who are required to hold a current NZ Class 1 medical certificate and in some instances COVID restrictions have curtailed access to NZ CAA examiners.
We have developed some regulatory relief in a form of case by case exemptions.
The exemption, if granted will provide the applicant relief from the requirement in Civil Aviation Rule CAR 61.35(a)(1)(ii) that a person hold a current class 1 medical certificate issued under the Act.
14 Aug 2020
Auckland remains at Alert Level 3. The rest of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.
The Prime Minister announced tonight that there are no changes to the COVID-19 Alert Levels. The Health Order has been extended until 26 August 2020.
Operators should continue to take all of the same precautions you are presently undertaking as part of your operations. We will continue to update you as soon as we have more information.
The official government COVID-19 website(external link) remains the primary source of government information on COVID-19.
For the latest Alert Level transport guidance and information, see the Ministry of Transport(external link) website.
12 Aug 2020
Guidance previously issued by the CAA on the conduct of all aviation at Level 2 and Level 3 remains in force for the updated COVID conditions.
The Level 3 restrictions cover the Auckland ‘Super City’ area and besides Auckland International, includes the GA airfields at Ardmore, North Shore, Parakai, Waiheke Island, Drury, but also covers smaller airfields, all air strips and other aeroplane and helicopter bases. Routine or recreational aviation activity should not transit between the zones and must in all respects comply with the Level 2 and 3 guidance.
People may only transit into the Level 3 area to return to their home location or to transit out of the Auckland area to return home. For example, it would not be acceptable for a flight to get airborne from Ardmore (Level 3), fly into a Level 2 area to conduct recreational or training activity to either land in the Level 2 area and then return to Ardmore, or to return direct. A transit from Level 2 areas through the Level 3 area may be conducted but no planned landings are to be made in the Level 3 area except in the event of an emergency.
3 Aug 2020
Being an aviation professional can be demanding at the best of times, whether it’s dealing with long and unpredictable hours, varying workloads, or complex environments. We recognise that the significant impacts of COVID-19 on the aviation sector have made things even more challenging.
24 Jun 2020
20/EXE/175 Exemption from the requirement in Civil Aviation Rule 67.57(2)
23 Jun 2020
The Emergency Directive for medical certificates expires at midnight Wednesday 24 June. This directive allows medical certificates with expiry dates between 26 March 2020 and 23 June 2020 to remain in force until that time.
If you have not renewed your medical certificate, you will be unable to exercise the privileges after midnight 24 June 2020.
12 Jun 2020
The provisions that were part of the regulatory relief package about recertification and the rescheduling of SMS implementation dates no longer apply.
Applicants for both certification and recertification are to apply in the prescribed manner. The rescheduling of SMS implementation dates has been completed, and there will be no further amendment to those dates.
09 Jun 2020
On 19 May 2020, the CAA consulted on a General Direction that enabled medical certificates with expiry dates between 26 March and 24 June 2020 to remain in force until 90 days following the original date of expiry.
Based on feedback the CAA received, together with recent evidence showing a high uptake of participants seeking aviation medicals, we feel the proposed GD is no longer required.
08 Jun 2020
All commercial and recreational aviation activity is permitted under Level 1 COVID-19 restrictions. You can fly to any destination within New Zealand. Physical distancing is not required.
04 Jun 2020
Flammable personal protection equipment products [PDF 22 KB]
For CAA information before 4 Jun 2020, see Earlier CAA COVID-19 information
