Originair to cut Westport?

 

My first post for 3rdLevelNZ. Thank you, Steve, for your wonderful support.

I plan to post a few updates on noteworthy news from the start of the year for the record.

So much has happened in the New Zealand aviation scene, especially with the current fuel crisis. Air New Zealand, Jetstar and Air Chathams have announced a large reduction in services on their domestic routes.

Also in the news has been the announcement from Originair that, from 1 May, they will no longer be flying between Wellington and Westport, leaving the Buller Region without an air link.

This from the Buller District Council on 18 March 2026:

Originair has today announced that it will cease operating flights to and from Westport Airport from 1 May 2026, unless financial support from the Government is confirmed by late March.

This announcement coincides with Originair’s final attempt to save the route by seeking support from the central government. The airline has applied for financial assistance under Kānoa’s Regional Airline Support Package to continue operating the route.

However, Originair officials have stated that “support from these [central government] parties to date has not been positive,” and unless firm financial support can be secured by Friday, 27 March, Originair’s last flight will depart from Westport on Friday, 1 May 2026.

Buller District Mayor Chris Russell says, “Council staff and I have been advocating for external regional route support for some time, as these services are typically not profitable but are of critical importance to our communities. We began this process as soon as we were aware the route was at risk.

“We acknowledge that operating the route profitably has always been challenging, and that the small market and ever-increasing operational costs have added significant pressures that Originair cannot continue to absorb without external financial support.”

Originair has serviced the Westport–Wellington route since January 2025, after a 12-month agreement was signed between the council and the airline in October 2024. Prior to that, Sounds Air had been flying to and from Westport for nine years, since 2016.

Mayor Russell says, “The unrest in the Middle East and the soaring Jet A1 fuel price have been the final straws contributing to the route becoming unsustainable. The decision to withdraw is deeply disappointing for the council and the community, and we are acutely conscious of the impact this will have on our hard-working airport staff and their families.”

The council sent an application to Kānoa’s Regional Investment Fund in September 2025, which was declined, and has since been working with the airline to find alternative ways to retain the critical air link to Wellington.

Mr Russell concludes, “Our focus will now switch to working with impacted staff at Westport Airport. We will assess next steps and options for the airport’s future over the coming months, once we are through the immediate operational wrap-up phase.” - source Buller District Council 

Given we are now well into April, and with no announcement from Kānoa, Originair, or the Buller District Council, it’s looking likely that, come 1 May, Westport will lose its air link. - LF