Billie MooreBusinesses are already feeling the pinch from Air New Zealand’s latest cuts to flights, and the ongoing impact to regional connectivity is becoming ‘‘significant’’, a Dunedin business leader says. That represented about a 5% reduction of its total domestic and international schedule, and would impact an estimated 44,000 passengers. Business South chief executive Mike Collins said the changes by Air New Zealand risked undermining business connectivity and regional growth across Otago and Southland — particularly at a time when the regions were experiencing strong economic growth and contributing significantly to New Zealand’s recovery. When flights were reduced and prices rose, people travelled less — meaning fewer visitors, fewer business trips and fewer opportunities for investment and collaboration, he said. ‘‘I do think that Air New Zealand has been taking care with how they're doing it.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 16, 2026 12:29 UTC