Originair will continue the Westport–Wellington air service after last-minute, short-term funding was secured to keep the regional airline flying the route for another month.

The West Coast town had been on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with plans to axe flights from Westport to Wellington this month unless urgent financial support was secured.

At the time, Originair pointed to the familiar challenge for regional aviation, a small market combined with rising operating costs.

However, today the airline confirmed it will continue the Westport–Wellington air service in the short term, with backing from Development West Coast and the Government.

Development West Coast has approved one month of support for the Wellington to Westport route.

This enables services to resume on May 18 while discussions continue with central government over further longer-term funding.

Originair managing director Robert Inglis said there had been ongoing discussions with Development West Coast and the Buller District Council regarding the route.

“We’re pleased to be working together on a practical way to keep flights operating in the near term,” Inglis said.

 
Regional airline Originair has confirmed it will continue the Westport-Wellington air service for another month.

Inglis said it was encouraging to see Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and his team actively considering the future of essential regional air services.

“We welcome the minister’s engagement on this issue,” he said.

“Regional connectivity is essential for communities like Westport, and it’s positive to see central government looking closely at how these services can be supported in a sustainable way.”

Robert Inglis, managing director of Originair.

He said the current support arrangement with Development West Coast was intended as a short-term measure.

“This is about keeping the service in the air for now while those bigger decisions are made. We remain committed to working with Central Government on a long-term solution.”

Inglis said Westport services had been flown by a number of airlines over the years, including Air New Zealand, two of its regional subsidiaries, and Sounds Air, which withdrew its services in December 2024.

Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said after months of engagement with Originair and Buller District Council, it was pleasing to see a potential way forward with Government support.

Heath Milne, chief executive officer at Development West Coast. Photo / Frank Film

Milne said following recent discussions with the Government and the Regional Investment Fund, Kanoa, a formal request for interim funding had been approved by Development West Coast trustees.

This aims to keep the Westport service operating before ministers confirm ongoing support arrangements.

“This gives the community some certainty while longer-term decisions are worked through.”

Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the Westport to Wellington service in 2024.

At the time, Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford said the cancellation was an “inevitable development” in its review of its regional network and 370 flights.