Photo: SuppliedWestport will lose its only air service in May unless the government rescues it. Originair today confirmed it could no longer sustain the losses on the Westport to Wellington route, fewer than 18 months after taking over. He was disappointed the government spent substantial sums developing cycling and walking tracks to try and attract tourism, but did not do likewise for regional air services. Originair had applied to the government's Kanoa Regional Investment Fund for support under the Regional Airline Support Package. Sounds Air had replaced Air New Zealand nine years earlier, but found the route was not viable.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 18, 2026 11:26 UTC