Air New Zealand passenger removed from flight due to overweight: scandal erupts

In the spring of 2023, Air New Zealand (ANZFF) caused a big stir in the aviation space after announcing the launch of the International Passenger Weight Survey, during which passengers boarding certain long-haul flights will be asked to step on the scales.

Although the experiment was conducted at the request of the country's Civil Aviation Authority, the airline recently became embroiled in a scandal over the issue. Two passengers claimed that they were removed from the flight because they were "too big," the Daily Courier reports.

The incident occurred on a short domestic flight from Napier in the eastern part of New Zealand's North Island to the capital Auckland further northwest.

The two women were not allowed to board the plane but were advised to book two seats each on the same flight, which was available for another 48 hours.

After the passengers said they could not afford the expense, the airline eventually paid for their return tickets, put them up in accommodation, and gave them access to the lounge.

As TravelWise reported, Air New Zealand has once again secured the title of the world's safest airline, regaining the top spot in 2024 and overtaking its peer Qantas.