Nine Air New Zealand 787 Dreamliner planes have been caught out in the latest global issue with Rolls Royce engines.

Photo: AFP

The manufacturer has recommended stricter inspections after talking with authorities about a compressor issue.

Rolls Royce said about 380 Trent 1000 Package C series engines throughout the world were affected - nine of those here.

It has not gone into detail about the compressor issue - but now requires a maintenance check after 300 cycles - down from 2000.

A cycle is defined as when a plane takes off then lands again.

The changes couldn't come at a worse time.

Air New Zealand said it was a very busy time of year for travel.

It expected some disruption to its international flights.

In December, Air New Zealand had to lease a couple of other planes after urgent maintenance was needed on some Rolls Royce engines.