Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has described Air New Zealand’s decision to further reduce some regional flights as “disappointing news.”
Earlier this month, the national carrier announced further reductions, pointing to persistently high jet fuel costs.
On Thursday, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said there would be an additional 23 flights between Nelson and Auckland, 32 to and from Wellington, and 15 to and from Christchurch.
The cancelled flights are scheduled between 29 June and 26 July.
“This is the third time Nelson’s flights to and from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have been axed temporarily since the war in Iran started and brings the total number of flights lost to 266 or about 12,000 seats,” Smith said.
He said the latest cuts reduce seat capacity to Auckland by 8.7%, to Christchurch by 10.3%, and to Wellington by 15.2% over the four-week period.
According to Smith, this is likely to impact seat availability and pricing, while also limiting Air NZ’s ability to manage disruptions such as weather-related delays and cancellations.
“This is disappointing news for Nelson,” he said’ “
While it is understandable, with no concrete signs of de-escalation of the oil crisis in the Middle East, it will have an impact on the number of visitors to the region and make it more difficult for people travelling for work to access healthcare and take holidays outside the region,” he added.
“The loss of flights will also have a negative effect on the council’s finances as a 50% owner in Nelson Airport Ltd.”
“I continue to encourage Nelson people considering taking a holiday in the next couple of months to think about options locally such as Golden Bay, Abel Tasman or Nelson Lakes to help our local tourism sector.”