Qantas says the latest volcanic ash disruptions have come at a huge cost, but it’s safety first.

Qantas flights to and from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch have all been suspended.

Jetstar’s services around New Zealand and across the Tasman have also been suspended for the rest of the day.

Air New Zealand is the only carrier continuing to fly.

It says it can fly lower than the ash cloud, which is currently hanging around the north of New Zealand at 24,000 feet.

The airline says it will provide updates if the situation changes.

Qantas spokeswoman Olivia Wirth says there’s no chance costs of the disruption will be added to fare prices in future.

“This is the everyday running of an aviation industry, it’s part of the airline business,” she says. “We’ve seen volcanic eruptions have a massive impact on the business, not only in Australia but last year with the Icelandic volcano, it does come at a cost but it’s safety first.”

Qantas flights from Sydney will resume from 4pm and those from Melbourne will at 1pm, with delays expected on flights into both airports.
 

– NewstalkZB