Sounds Air cuts southern routes

Sounds Air’s decision to end Blenheim to Christchurch services from the end of September is a “sad day for the province”, says Mayor Nadine Taylor.

Sounds Air announced its Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wanaka services will cease to operate from 28 September 2025, with the airline citing escalating costs and supply chain structure, in conjunction with a very weak New Zealand dollar, as the main reasons.

Sounds Air Managing Director Andrew Crawford said the airline’s challenges had begun through Covid and persisted for the past five years.

“We are not alone in this, Air New Zealand and other regional carriers in New Zealand, and world-wide, have been hit by the same cost increases, and the irony is that our passenger demand has never been stronger”, he said in a press release.

“However, aviation is a very price-sensitive market and demand would dry up if we tried to pass all of the cost increases to our customers.

“Faced with these circumstances, we have concluded that we will revert to the model that was established in 1987, when Sounds Air was founded – providing high frequency services between the North and South Islands across Cook Strait.”

The airline will sell five larger Pilatus aircraft, while expanding its Cessna Caravan fleet for shorter flights. Marlborough Airport, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Marlborough District Council, had been working with the airline over the past year to try to support it through challenging times, Mayor Taylor said.

“This service was particularly important as it provided a vital air link for Marlborough people to get to specialist treatment in Christchurch.

“There is no other option to fly direct from Blenheim to Christchurch – this is now a four-hour drive … that is going to put additional pressure and stress on those who are already at their most vulnerable.

“I am frustrated that Sounds Air was unsuccessful in securing support from Central Government as regional connectivity is also important for economic growth, particularly tourism.

“If regions are to grow in the manner Central Government wants, investment in this space is warranted and indeed necessary.”