Aitutaki, Cook Islands Photo: Ewan Smith
The Cook Islands opposition says it will not support the banning of Sunday flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki despite the result of a referendum.
In April, a majority voted for an end to the flights, with those wanting the ban saying Sunday is a sacred day when businesses shouldn't operate.
Cook Island News reports Aitutaki MP and One Cook Islands leader Teina Bishop as telling the House it would not support a flight ban.
Mr Bishop said although he did not open his business, Bishop's Cruises, on Sundays, the flight service was needed.
But he said he would never deny the rights of those with religious beliefs who favoured banning the flights, as their voices highlighted that democracy was alive and well.
The government has still to say whether it will honour the result of the referendum.