Britain and New Zealand agreed to ease restrictions on the number of direct flights allowed between the two countries on Friday, potentially opening up new routes for airlines. The current rules, which only allow 7 direct flights a week from airlines on both sides, will be eased under the new air services agreement. "It opens access to each country's aviation market for the other country's airlines, and applies state aids rules to ensure a level playing field for competition," the UK Department of Transport said in a statement.