Air New Zealand Cuts Regional Flights Amid High Fuel Costs

WELLINGTON, April 30 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Air New Zealand has announced further temporary cuts to regional flights, citing persistently high jet fuel costs linked to escalating conflict in West Asia, reported Xinhua.

The reductions, scheduled between June 29 and July 26, affect several routes and major hubs such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Radio New Zealand reported on Thursday.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said 70 flights to and from the city would be cut during the period, bringing total cancellations since oil supply disruptions driven by the West Asia conflict to 266 flights, or about 12,000 seats.

The cuts would reduce seat capacity by up to 15 per cent on some routes, likely driving up fares and limiting flexibility for travellers, Smith was quoted as saying.

The New Zealand government has also moved to support regional aviation, with three smaller carriers recently approved for loans under a 30-million-NZ-dollar (about US$17.54 million) regional infrastructure fund to help maintain essential air services and manage rising costs.

"Regional connectivity is vital to New Zealand's economic and social wellbeing, but the industry is under pressure, with some crucial routes at risk," Associate Transport Minister James Meager said in a statement last week.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA