Air New Zealand is making changes to four domestic routes and reducing capacity to three of them, affecting Invercargill, Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, Blenheim and New Plymouth. Emeny said all domestic operators were finding it tough during the economic slowdown, including Air New Zealand. However, once exited, these routes just don’t come back for the national airline. Some of our tourist hotspots have sealed runways but no regular air service to main centres.”Exiting smaller routes further marginalises regional New Zealand for both locals and tourists wanting air service, said Russell. New air service competition is something the regions will likely welcome, with potential for higher-frequency, non-stop daily flights, and possible double daily services to regional NZ,” said Russell.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 15, 2024 22:06 UTC