WELLINGTON, New Zealand--The main New Zealand airport said it expects international passenger numbers to begin a steady recovery from early 2022 if the country's Covid-19 vaccinations significantly increase in the next few months.

Auckland International Airport Ltd. on Thursday reiterated its forecast for an after-tax loss of 35 million to 55 million New Zealand dollars ($24.5 million to $38.4 million) in its current financial year.

Experience overseas shows that widespread vaccination protects people against the Covid-19 virus and in turn leads to a strong revival of air travel, Auckland Airport said.

"International passenger numbers and those business lines linked to passenger volumes, including retail and transport, may remain very subdued for the remainder of the calendar year," the company said. "However, we do expect steady recovery from early in calendar year 2022."

Write to Stephen Wright at stephen.wright@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-30-21 1702ET