Flight service axed: Why has it happened? What impact will it have?
“While we understand the challenges that Air NZ faces, this news is disappointing for our community, particularly for businesses and individuals who rely on this vital link to our nation’s capital."
Air New Zealand delivered a blow on Monday announcing the Invercargill-Wellington return direct flights will end in January. Logan Savory takes a look at how it came about and what impact it might have.
It’s a double whammy for Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds.
First and foremost, the electorate she represents has just been dealt a blow.
Air New Zealand announced on Monday it is discontinuing its Invercargill to Wellington direct service, effective January 19, 2025.
From Monday to Friday, twice a day, a flight currently travels from Invercargill to Wellington and back.
Those wanting to get to Wellington from January will go via Christchurch, and it has been suggested the removal of a direct link to the nation’s capital will have some wide-ranging impacts.
“It really hits the province generally,” Simmonds said.
“It means it is impossible now for Invercargill businesses to do a full day in Wellington without accommodation.”
“I’m really disappointed and I understand that it runs at over 80% full so it feels like our region is being targeted because there is no competition here.”
“There is no other competing airline at the moment operating here so that’s what makes it easy for Air New Zealand to do it.”
Simmonds herself is a walking example of the impact the axing of the Invercargill-Wellington service will have as she juggles life at Parliament in Wellington and her personal and professional duties in the south.
“I won’t be able to get home on a Thursday evening [from Wellington]. So, one more night away from my family and it puts my Friday mornings under pressure, in terms of what I can do in the [Invercargill] electorate.”
What’s behind this decision?…
Southland leaders were made aware about six weeks ago of Air New Zealand’s plans to cut the Invercargill-Wellington service.
Various parties - including the likes of Great South, Southland Business Chamber, ILT, and the Invercargill Airport - have advocated for the service to remain.
However, Air New Zealand regional affairs manager Jason Dawson advised them on Friday that they would proceed with the cancellation of the Invercargill-Wellington flights.
It was initially indicated that Air New Zealand would halt the service from the end of March, but that has since been brought forward to January 19 after the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Dawson said domestic demand across New Zealand had “softened” over recent months.
“This is most evident on some of our regional networks. Concurrently, we also have aircraft out of service due to global engine maintenance issues.
“As a result, we have had to make the tough decision to no longer operate the direct Invercargill to Wellington service from 19 January 2025. Customers will still be able to fly to Wellington via Christchurch,” Dawson said.
It has been suggested the public service cuts in Wellington, and restricted travel from those public servants, have had an impact on travel demand.
More than 6000 public sector jobs have been, or are being proposed to be, disestablished.
Although Simmonds did not buy into the theory.
“I doubt that. I can’t imagine that has had any impact at all,” Simmonds said.
Invercargill Airport chief executive Stuart Harris said he was obviously disappointed by the situation, but he assured the public Invercargill Airport would continue to advocate for the region around flights and will work closely with Air New Zealand.
“We will do everything we can to help build that connectivity for the region but ultimately, it’s Air New Zealand who chooses where they fly and how often.
“Obviously we are disappointed there is going to be no direct flight, but we certainly are working with Air New Zealand to help them build their capacity through Christchurch where possible.”
Air New Zealand has indicated it will put on additional flights to Christchurch, although Harris was not aware of those details just yet.
Harris said the discontinuing of the Invercargill-Wellington route would not impact the Invercargill Airport, in terms of its staffing and facilities.
“We still need the same buildings and infrastructure, and we still need to have the same team,” Harris said.
The conference and events concern…
ILT CEO Chris Ramsay has never shied away from his belief that conferences and events are vital for the city - in particular those that operate in the hospitality sector as ILT does.
Ramsay is concerned what the cancellation of the Invercargill-Wellington service will now mean in that quest to entice more conferences and events to the city.
“It will have a massive impact,” Ramsay said.
“Connectivity is one of the keys for any region in attracting conferences and events. But it is corporate travel as well.”
“It’s devastating news to be fair.”
ILT’s corporate sales executive Nikki Buckley travels New Zealand trying to help entice the likes of conferences to Invercargill.
Ramsay said the ability to get to Invercargill was often a key element in locking in some of those conferences and events.
“That perception of ease of travel is critical.”
Ramsay said in the short term there were some key events and conferences already set for Invercargill in 2025. However, he did worry what implications it might have on attracting conferences and events for 2026 and beyond.
ILT was part of a group of organisations that worked with Air New Zealand to get the Invercargill-Auckland direct flight up and running five years ago.
ILT put close to $100,000 towards kick-starting a marketing campaign to help the flight service succeed.
As a province, Ramsay said Southland put its best foot forward in that case, and they would try to do the same with the Wellington service. Although he acknowledged it was a wider issue for Air New Zealand, rather than just the Invercargill-Wellington route.
The wider disappointment…
Southland Business Chamber Chamber CEO Sheree Carey understood the challenges Air New Zealand faces.
However, she is disappointed for the community, particularly for businesses and individuals who rely on the “vital link to our nation’s capital”.
“Direct flights play a crucial role in fostering connections for business travel, tourism, and personal journeys, and losing this service could impact our local economy and accessibility.”
Carey said the Chamber appreciated Air New Zealand’s commitment to refresh the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the region and focus on the long-term growth of air services, air freight, and marketing initiatives is promising.
“It is imperative that we continue to promote Southland as an attractive destination for events, conferences, and tourism.
“Despite the challenges presented by the discontinuation of this service, we remain optimistic about the future of air travel in Southland,” Carey said.
“It’s essential that we work together to enhance our regional connectivity and explore new opportunities for air services that can support our local economy.”
The Southland Business Chamber encouraged all stakeholders, including businesses and community members, to engage in discussions with Air New Zealand and other regional partners to identify solutions that will ensure continued growth and accessibility for our region.
“We look forward to collaborating with Air New Zealand as they implement additional flights between Christchurch and Invercargill, ensuring that our community remains connected to the wider network,” Carey said.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said he was disappointed that Air New Zealand would be suspending or cancelling Invercargill-Wellington direct return flights early next year, in favour of flights to Wellington going through Christchurch.
“The current direct flights to Wellington allow corporate and business leaders and staff to do ‘same day’ meetings.
“While there is a reduction in the Wellington public service and their meetings in the regions, they are less impacted by flights via Christchurch, as they can manage their meeting schedules in the regions.
“For us travelling to Wellington-based business meetings, Invercargill attendees either arrive late via Christchurch or need an overnight stay to get to the meeting on time.
“I hope Air NZ will see that their future service delivery can have more than a financial focus.”
Time for another player in the market- @JetStar ; @AirChathams ?