Billie MooreBusinesses are already feeling the pinch from Air New Zealand’s latest cuts to flights, and the ongoing impact to regional connectivity is becoming ‘‘significant’’, a Dunedin business leader says. That represented about a 5% reduction of its total domestic and international schedule, and would impact an estimated 44,000 passengers. Dunedin Airport chief executive Daniel De Bono said a total of 64 Air New Zealand flights would be temporarily cancelled at the airport from today until May 3, about 6% of scheduled flights across that timeframe. Business South chief executive Mike Collins said the changes by Air New Zealand risked undermining business connectivity and regional growth across Otago and Southland — particularly at a time when the regions were experiencing strong economic growth and contributing significantly to New Zealand’s recovery. When flights were reduced and prices rose, people travelled less — meaning fewer visitors, fewer business trips and fewer opportunities for investment and collaboration, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 15, 2026 16:34 UTC