Jetstar's announcement of additional regional routes has been welcomed by the rural medical community.

The budget airline will soon be flying into Nelson, Napier, New Plymouth and Palmerston North.

Flights between Napier and Auckland will start in December.

Rural General Practice Network head Dalton Kelly said cheaper flights and added air services make rural areas more attractive to GPs and nurses thinking about relocating.

He says given rural communities are such a big part of New Zealand's economy, having a strong health service in the regions is vital.

"We need to make sure that our own workforce in those rural communities are well looked after. So anything that enhances the quality of life in the rural community has got to be good for this country."

"It makes the rural and more remote parts of New Zealand just that much more accessible, and just that much more attractive to general practitioners and nurses who might want to live in that part of the world."

Mr Kelly said Jetstar's additional routes are a step in the right direction, and he looks forward to it broadening its regional service even further.

That point was picked up by Business Hawke's Bay, who is hoping Jetstar will be able to expand its regional routes.

CEO Susan White said if people vote with their wallets, then Jetstar will stay and offer more destinations.

"Once they've demonstrated there is the market between Napier and Auckland, I'm sure they'll look at other routes."