Quantcast

Air New Zealand celebrates five years of direct flights between Invercargill and Auckland

Air New Zealand celebrates five years of direct flights between Invercargill and Auckland
Policy
Webp 30vcls8wwouur7vku8il90o0uigx
Alison Gerry Independent Non-Executive Director (Appointed 28 October 2021) | Air New Zealand

Customers flying between Invercargill and Auckland were treated to a unique experience as Air New Zealand celebrated five years of direct service on this route. The airline marked the occasion by serving cheese rolls, often referred to as 'Southland Sushi,' at an altitude of 30,000 feet.

The direct service first launched on August 25, 2019, experienced interruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed operations in December 2021. It currently offers five return flights weekly.

Scott Carr, General Manager Domestic at Air New Zealand, highlighted the significance of this route within the airline's domestic network. "Over the past five years, we have operated more than 1600 flights between Auckland and Invercargill, welcoming more than 236,000 customers onboard," he stated. Carr also emphasized the route's importance for tourism and cargo transport. "The route is not only a staple for Southlanders but also serves as a gateway for visitors from the north to explore the wider Southland region and popular tourism areas such as Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Catlins."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Chami Abeysinghe, Chief Executive of Great South Regional Economic Development Agency, noted the positive impact of this service on regional connectivity. "As our region progresses economic growth opportunities, our ability to get our high-value pastoral, seafood, and manufactured goods to our export markets in a timely manner remains critical," Abeysinghe remarked.

The Auckland-Invercargill flight covers a distance of 1183 kilometers with a flight time of two hours and five minutes. It holds the distinction of being New Zealand's longest domestic jet service.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

FedEx has released the results of a recent survey focused on how Asia-Pacific (APAC) companies are responding to changes in global trade and customs regulations.

Oct 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines has inaugurated its first nonstop service from the United States to Marrakech, Morocco, marking the airline's return to North Africa after more than 14 years.

Oct 26, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025