Sounds Air route cuts

The story so far

Regional airline Sounds Air will sell its five Pilatus PC12 aircraft and cancel its Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wānaka services.^{21 Jul 2025} The airline cited rising costs, supply chain issues and a weak New Zealand dollar, and said the changes are intended to rebuild the business.^{21 Jul 2025} Wānaka will be left without scheduled air connections, and local leaders and residents expressed disappointment, noting effects on tourism and access to Christchurch Hospital.^{21 Jul 2025} Airlines say regional aviation is becoming unsustainable because of rising system costs, and industry representatives are calling for government action.^{22 Jul 2025}

Latest

Airlines and industry representatives have warned that rising regional flight costs are making the sector unstable and have called for government action.^{22 Jul 2025}

What's next

The Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wānaka services are scheduled to end from 28 September.^{21 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 21 Jul 2025Sounds Air announces sale of five aircraft and cancellation of two regional routes.
2. 21 Jul 2025Wānaka faces loss of scheduled air links; local disappointment over tourism and hospital access.
3. 22 Jul 2025Airlines warn regional aviation is unsustainable and urge government action on costs.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.