Air NZ has confirmed it's increasing the number of flights between Northland and Wellington due to the success of the temporary services being operated while Auckland was at COVID-19 alert level 4.
The airline will run a direct daily service between Whangarei and the capital using its Q300 turboprop fleet.
Air NZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says that when the airline was looking at which Northland Airports it could operate longer flights from, Kerikeri provided the quickest solution for its customers.
"Flights from Northland to the capital require additional fuel and Kerikeri Airport has the operational capacity to support our requirements," says Geraghty.
"With an increased demand for flights from Northland, we have looked at where else we could add more seats. On a temporary basis, we have found a solution that will allow us to fly both the Auckland to Whangarei route as well as a Wellington to Whangarei route."
With Auckland at alert level 3 this week, Air NZ is extending its temporary service between Wellington and Kerikeri from September 29 until October 5.
"These flights will keep residents in Northland connected with the rest of the country, while also giving local tourists the opportunity to visit us for a short break and help boost our economy," Northland Mayor Sheryl Mai said.
Should Auckland stay in alert level 3 for longer, Air NZ will look at extending these Northland services longer.
