Sounds Air to cancel Blenheim and Wānaka regional flight routes

Monday 21 July 2025 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 22 Jul 2025, 9:47am

In this story Sounds Air, Andrew Crawford

Sounds Air will end its flights between Blenheim and Christchurch, and Christchurch and Wānaka, from 28 September. The airline cited rising costs for the decision, which will leave Wānaka without scheduled air connections. Local leaders and residents expressed disappointment, noting the impact on tourism and healthcare access to Christchurch Hospital.

How they headlined it

10h4h

Mon 6:32pmTue 5am8:59am9:47am

1. RNZMon 21 Jul 2025, 6:32pm

   Loss of Sounds Air regional flights to impact healthcare access, connectivity (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 22 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   ‘Disappointed’: Wānaka loses its only flights as routes axed (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 22 Jul 2025, 8:59am

   Loss of flights another blow for Wānaka patients (opens in new tab)

4. The PressTue 22 Jul 2025, 9:47am

   Marlborough mayor ‘disappointed’ by Sounds Air cuts (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)