AUCKLAND, New Zealand--Auckland International Airport's first-half earnings plummeted as the coronavirus pandemic froze international travel.

New Zealand's main international gateway on Thursday reported a net profit of 28.1 million New Zealand dollars ($20.3 million) for July-December, down 81% from a year earlier.

The company said its recovery hinges on two-way quarantine-free travel with Australia being implemented.

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

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-17-21 1507ET