Air New Zealand is pulling out of Whanganui - the biggest regional centre the national carrier has ever withdrawn from - and is axing flights from Blenheim to Christchurch.
Air New Zealand cut the Whanganui to Wellington service in 2014. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The airline's General Manager of Networks, Richard Thomson, says the loss-making Whanganui to Auckland and Blenheim to Christchurch services do not have sufficient demand to sustain 50-seat aircraft and will end on 31 July.
Whanganui lost its service to Wellington in 2014.
Mr Thomson says the greater number of destinations offered, the higher frequency of flights and the range of connections available from nearby Palmerston North have undermined demand at Whanganui.
Whanganui mayor Annette Main says losing Air New Zealand services is a massive blow and Whanganui MP Chester Borrows said he was disappointed the airline was pulling out of Whanganui.
"I think they're making the wrong decision and they should back the local region.
"I mean I just think Air New Zealand hasn't seen the opportunities."
Air New Zealand's Blenheim services to Auckland and Wellington will continue.