Originair announces discontinuation of Westport to Wellington flights
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 through seeking support from 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 expressed 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 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-to-Wellington route since January 2025, after a 12-month agreement was signed between council and the airline in October 2024. Prior to that, SoundsAir 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 council and the community, and we are acutely conscious of the impact this will have on our hard-working airport staff and their families.”
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.”
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For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.