New Dunedin-Invercargill air service stops

Mainland Air has ceased its new Dunedin-to-Invercargill flights after just six weeks because of lack of demand and high fuel costs.

However, the company said it had no plans to stop its Queenstown and Alexandra flights, the Southland Times reported.

Mainland business manager Daniel McMillan said the company decided at the end of last week to pull the service.

"We've actually cancelled all scheduled services to Invercargill as of the end of last week due to lack of demand as well as the increase in fuel and operating expenses."

He said flights for passengers with existing bookings would continue until August.

"Any flights without passengers (booked) have been cancelled and no further flights will be scheduled."

The decision comes just six weeks after the company began the three-day-a-week return service between Dunedin and Invercargill.

- NZPA