It could only be a matter of months until new airlines start flying into Kapiti Coast airport.
Air New Zealand pulled their daily Auckland flights from the airport earlier this month, disappointing residents.
Kapiti Coast District Council Chief Executive Wayne Maxwell says they're already looking at replacements and more services for the airport.
"There are clearly a couple of candidates who look like they're very interested and they could deliver the service," he says.
"We're working with them to see what we can do to make it as quick and as painless as possible."
Wayne Maxwell says they're hoping to have the new services running in two to three months.
However, he says they're now thinking bigger - and hope to provide more than just a replacement service to and from Auckland.
"Whilst this has been a bit of a setback, it's also an opportunity. If we're going to talk to airlines, we're going to talk beyond just replacing an Auckland service," Mr Maxwell says.
"We're going to look at some other destinations too and we're gonna see what's possible and what we can achieve."
The Kapiti Coast District Council is also planning to ask residents what they want from their airport.
Mr Maxwell says they'll be down at the airport to see what can be done to make the best of an unfortunate situation.
"Talking to passengers and understanding what they want, what they need, where they'd like to fly and how we can make sure that happens with a minimal disruption to the service."
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