The airline lounge with no booze

Everyone has heard of pub with no beer, but what about the airline lounge with no booze at all?

Air New Zealand frequently flyers and high flyers have been left thirsty this week after the  airline's Koru Lounge lost its license to serve liquor.

Passengers hoping for a glass of bubbles while waiting for their flights at Air New Zealand's facility were told the lounge's licence had expired.

Air New Zealand said in a statement that a processing delay was responsible - hardly a compelling excuse given a lounge's main function is to lubricate the wheels of travel. 

Auckland Council said Air New Zealand was sent a renewal letter on October 21, 2019, but did not respond on time and the licence subsequently expired.

The airline said it hoped to have the issue sorted "soon".

The Air New Zealand domestic lounge at Wellington Airport, meanwhile, closed on March 26 for "a comprehensive refurbishment" and is still shut. Two temporary facilities without toilets are in operation.