Temporary Gisborne-Napier flights announced

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Air New Zealand has added a new temporary service between Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay as the two regions strugge with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle including damaged roads.

The direct service will operate Sunday to Friday and is in addition to the airline’s existing services to and from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

“The floods have caused widespread damage to infrastructure and disrupted travel for many Kiwis,” Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said.

“By launching this service, we’re doing all we can to restore vital transportation links between the two regions, support families and friends looking to reunite and help essential workers get to where they need to be.

“Flights go on sale today, February 23, and are available for travel from February 26 to March 25.”

The 35-minute Gisborne-Napier flights leave Gisborne at 7.35pm and Napier at 7.30am.

“The demands of operating Air New Zealand’s existing routes out of Gisborne and Napier mean that this service is limited to a daily operation and is made possible because of the current need to reposition an aircraft overnight in Hawke’s Bay.”

Trust Tairāwhiti chief executive Gavin Murphy said the news was “fantastic” and would help reconnect people and economies.

“There will be strong demand and limited capacity, so we encourage all those who can hold their meetings by Zoom to do so where possible.”

For customers, Air New Zealand has also extended flexibility for those booked to travel to/from Gisborne or Napier between February 17 and February 26.

Customers have until March 31 to change the date of their flight without a change fee, service fee or fare difference applying.

Customers can also choose to reroute their flight without facing additional charges provided it is to another domestic destination.