Kia Ora,
We’re writing to let you know about an important change to our network.
After careful consideration, Air Chathams will suspend its scheduled services between Auckland and Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Coast, with the final flights operating on 31 July 2026.
This has been a very difficult decision for my team and I to make, but it is the only responsible path for the family-owned airline to take without affecting the viability of its other routes, including its lifeline service to the Chatham Islands.
We know how valued this service is by our customers, providing a direct connection between the Kāpiti Coast and Auckland for both business and leisure travel. I was reminded of this firsthand over the past few days as I spoke personally with some of our frequent flyers. After eight years of service, we are incredibly proud to have supported and connected the region since 2018.
However, over time it has become increasingly challenging to operate this route sustainably. Like many regional airlines, we have seen significant cost increases across all areas of our business, including aircraft maintenance, labour, airport charges, air traffic services, compliance, and most recently, fuel. The result is that this route is no longer commercially sustainable, and it is costing us money every time we fly.
We understand this news will be disappointing, and we sincerely apologise for the impact this may have on your travel plans.
What this means for you:
A reduced schedule between Auckland and Paraparaumu will operate until 31 July 2026.
If you have an existing booking beyond this date, our team will contact you to discuss your options.
Aircraft currently serving Kāpiti will be redeployed across our wider network, helping us maintain reliable services to the regional communities we continue to serve, including the Chatham Islands, Whakatāne and Whanganui.
While we are stepping away for now, this is not something we do lightly. We would welcome the opportunity to return to the Kāpiti Coast in the future if conditions allow.
Thank you for your support of our Kāpiti Coast service over the past eight years. It has been a privilege to connect with your community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team – nzreservations@airchathams.co.nz or 0800 359 669.
Ngā Mihi,
Duane Emeny, Chief Executive Officer
Kapiti was always a risk. Unlike Whanganui and Whakatane, Kapiti is close to Wellington where there is, and always has been, an on and off fare war between Air NZ and Qantas/Jetstar on the WLG-AKL route. My inbox is drowning in ultra cheap fare deals. Kapiti is a drivable distance from WLG, made more so by Transmission Gully, and whist there are costs and more expensive parking these have become significantly less than the difference in fares. The Kapiti situation is also a case of de-ja-vu as this was the main reason Air NZ dropped Kapiti in the first place.
ReplyDeleteWhakatane and Whanganui don't have this scenario as there is no competition with Air NZ at Tauranga and Palmerston North respectively. Whakatane is already in Air NZ's timetable for connectivity and Whanganui can't be far away. I suspect Air NZ would have delayed adding Kaptiti as long as it could.
So where to for Kapiti? Possible opportunity for Originair?
I doubt Origin Air has the planes to do PPQ AKL but it would be good if they maybe look into it
DeleteA J32 costs the same to operate as Saab. Origin would still face the same AFIS costs as Air Chats too. Plus would require Origin to base/ferry an aircraft to PPQ. Nope, will never happen
DeleteWhakatane interline is now unable to be booked on the air Nz website
ReplyDeleteNegative. Still bookable via the Air NZ website with dates well into next year.
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