Passengers feel the effects of cancelled Qantas flights due to the Chilean volcanic ash cloud . Picture: AFP Source: AFP
QANTAS and Jetstar have cancelled all flights to and from Christchurch as the Chilean volcanic ash cloud continues to frustrate air travellers.
Jetstar has also cancelled all flights in and out of Wellington until at least midday, with Qantas cancelling all flights to and from the city until 2pm.
Air New Zealand flights are continuing to operate as normal.
Jetstar has dismissed suggestions it cancelled flights for financial reasons as "absurd''.
Forsyth Barr aviation analyst Rob Mercer was earlier reported as saying Australian airlines chose not to fly in and out of New Zealand during the past two weeks for financial reasons, not because of the safety risks posed by ash clouds from Chile's Mt Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano.
He said Qantas' international operations would lose $200 million this year.
"The decisions not to fly are easier if you are running at a loss, than they are if you are running at a profit. (Air) New Zealand probably came out of this with a lot more customer loyalty than Qantas,'' Mercer said.
Jetstar Group chief executive Bruce Buchanan rejected Mr Mercer's claims, saying the airline was focused on safety alone.
"The claims... that our position taken had anything to do with a cost cutting measure are absurd.
"The mere suggestion that grounding your entire operation in market - hundreds of flights over a two week period - would improve financial performance is out of touch with the tough reality of running an airline.
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