Steps for flying aircraft to New Zealand

All aircraft are subject to these requirements

This process is for:

• charter planes
• courier planes
• commercial airlines
• corporate planes
• private aircraft
• military aircraft.

No matter how long your aircraft is going to remain in New Zealand, the person in charge must meet the requirements. A person in charge is usually the aircraft or airline operator or the captain.

Refer to other sections of the website if you're:

• importing aircraft or aircraft parts that arrive in New Zealand as cargo
• arriving in New Zealand as an airline passenger

To arrive in New Zealand by aircraft you must:

• disinsect your aircraft (See "what you need to do" for further information)
• apply for entry into New Zealand
• fly to a designated Place of First Arrival (PoFA)
• meet the requirements of the latest version Aircraft from All Countries CRMS
• be aware that your food, rubbish, and waste will be managed in accordance with the CRMS and the services available at your PoFA
• comply with any additional requirements from other New Zealand government agencies, for example, NZ Customs Service or the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).

Ensure your aircraft is insect and disease-free

MPI and the Ministry of Health require that aircraft flying to New Zealand are treated for insects and other invertebrates, which may be pests or carriers of disease. Australia and New Zealand have a joint procedure for the disinsection (spraying insecticide for insect and disease control) of aircraft arriving from overseas.

There are 4 ways to disinsect your aircraft.

1. Residual – internal surfaces are regularly sprayed with a residual insecticide (at least every 8 weeks).
2. Pre-embarkation – spraying the cabin before passengers board the aircraft (separate hold treatment necessary).
3. Pre-departure – spraying the cabin, lockers, toilets, flight deck and galleys after passengers have boarded, prior to leaving the airbridge. (Separate hold treatment necessary).
4. On-arrival – cabin and hold sprayed by an MPI biosecurity inspector after the aircraft has landed and before doors open.

Note that on-arrival spraying will take place if no other method has been performed or if it has been performed incorrectly. The person in charge of the aircraft is responsible for notifying MPI through the PoFA (Place of First Arrival), so that inspectors are able to meet the aircraft.

If you're using residual or pre-embarkation options, you can have a disinsection compliance agreement with MPI. Having a compliance agreement gives MPI confidence that your aircraft meets the disinsection requirements. Airlines that have an Approved Arrangement with DAFF do not need to have a compliance agreement with MPI. For more information on compliance agreements, email disinsectionmatters@mpi.govt.nz

Find out more

Schedule of Aircraft Disinsection Procedures for Flights into Australia and NZ – Australian Department of Agriculture

How MPI verifies Aircraft Disinsection [PDF, 475 KB]

Apply for entry into New Zealand

The person in charge of the aircraft, usually the captain or airline operator, must notify the following agencies about the planned flight:

• New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• MPI
• New Zealand Customs Service

Fly to a designated Place of First Arrival

International flights must arrive at a designated PoFA suitable to accept the type of cargo or number of passengers you're carrying. Only Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are approved to accept commercial cargo. Only Auckland and Christchurch can receive pets.

Find out about arriving at an airport approved as a PoFA

If you plan to land at an airport not listed as a PoFA, you need prior approval. Approval will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.

Find out more about getting approval

Arriving at non-approved PoFA air and seaports  

Check on the removal of goods and waste

All goods (including baggage) or waste must be removed at an airport approved as a PoFA, unless otherwise directed by an inspector. Waste for disposal must be removed and disposed of via the approved systems provided by the airport.

Check the goods in your aircraft do not pose a risk

If you bring goods that pose a biosecurity risk, including food items, to New Zealand, you must declare them. You may need to book a transitional facility where these goods can be inspected and managed before they are released to you.

Find the process for importing your goods

Read about transitional facilities

If your goods are transported in an air container or wood packaging, these may also have a biosecurity risk and need to be inspected or treated. Follow the steps to import:

• air containers
• wood packaging

Ensure passengers and crew comply with entry requirements

Any passengers or crew need to go through the usual immigration and customs procedures. Items they are carrying that pose a biosecurity risk need to be declared and will be inspected by a biosecurity inspector.

Read more about arriving in New Zealand

You're ready to fly your aircraft to New Zealand when you:

• have disinsected your aircraft
• have notified the CAA, MPI, and NZ Customs Service about your planned flight
• fly to a designated PoFA that is able to process your aircraft, goods, and passengers.