Air New Zealand stops Kapiti Coast-Auckland daily flights

Air New Zealand is cancelling flights to Kapiti Coast airport.

The airline had been running daily flights from the regional airport north of Wellington, connecting to Auckland.

But those will stop, with the last service on April 3.

In a statement, Air New Zealand said it had to make domestic schedule adjustments to match its seat capacity to areas with growing customer demand.

"Air New Zealand has operated the Kapiti - Auckland service since 2011 and recognises the support the community has given to it.

"On withdrawal, Air New Zealand will extend support to any other airline that operates the route as it has in other ports.

"The last service between Kapiti Coast and Auckland will operate on 3 April 2018. Passengers booked to travel on this service past this date will be re-accommodated on alternative services."

It comes after the Christchurch to Kapiti flights were also dropped, in 2015.

Only a week ago Kapiti Airport had an open day with three of the region's mayors giving a public show of support.

Locals aren't happy, with backlash heating up on a Facebook community page.

Guy Diston wrote that the airline was "effectively killing our successful little airport" by deciding to pull the flights "despite everything" the community gave in support.