Important Update to Air Chathams Flight Schedule - Air Chathams
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Important Update to Air Chathams Flight Schedule

Like many Kiwis, we’ve all felt the impact of rising fuel costs. In aviation, however, the increase has been significantly more pronounced. Recent global events have driven a rise in jet fuel pricing, with our fuel costs in Auckland doubling from $500k a month to $1 million. This does not take into account any uplift from the regions we operate in, where the cost is higher.


We have worked hard behind the scenes to absorb these increases wherever possible. However, even with the fuel surcharge introduced last month, the continued rise in fuel costs means this is no longer enough to cover the increase. As a result, these fuel costs have now reached a level that is no longer sustainable for our operations.


As a result, from 20 April through to 30 June, we will be consolidating and reducing scheduled flying across parts of our North Island network. This includes:

  • Between Auckland & Whakatāne: reduction of 10 flights per week
  • Between Auckland & Whanganui: reduction of 8 flights per week
  • Between Auckland & Kāpiti Coast: reduction of 2 flights per week

These decisions have not been made lightly. They are necessary to reduce direct operating costs and protect the stability of the airline, so our services can still continue with these externally driven cost shocks.


If your booking is impacted, our team will be in touch to discuss your updated travel arrangements and the options available to you. If you have booked through a travel agent, please contact them directly for any changes.


Air Chathams driving mission is to connect regional New Zealand. These changes are about ensuring we can continue to deliver the essential services our communities rely on, both now and into the future, despite factors beyond our control. I am sincerely sorry for any disruption or inconvenience this may cause to your travel plans.


We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you informed as things evolve. While it's impossible to predict the future, even more so in 2026 it seems, our hope is that we can get back to operating more weekly flights when fuel costs reduce.


Thank you for your understanding and continued support in our endeavours to connect regional New Zealand.