Sunair to start daily flights between Gisborne and Napier from June 26

Sunair Aviation is launching Napier, Gisborne and Wairoa services later this month, bringing direct air connectivity to East Coast communities. The planes have a six-passenger capacity. Picture supplied

Wairoa and Gisborne mayors have welcomed news of a new air route linking Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

North Island airline Sunair Aviation is launching a new weekday service connecting Napier and Wairoa, and Napier and Gisborne, starting at the end of the month (June 26).

Hawke’s Bay Airport chief executive Rob Stratford said the news would be welcomed by travellers, regional leaders and the business community.

“With Air New Zealand’s temporary Napier-Gisborne service wrapping up last week, it is vital that we have an alternative way to connect with Wairoa and Gisborne while State Highway 2 remains vulnerable,” Mr Stratford said.

“We can only see demand for direct air service connection growing as Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti move further into the cyclone recovery phase.

“It’s important that Hawke’s Bay Airport plays a leadership role as a key regional transport asset in maintaining and growing our connectivity with other parts of New Zealand.

“We’ve collaborated with our Wairoa and Gisborne counterparts to make this happen, and appreciate Sunair’s ability to work with us in establishing this service.”

Sunair Aviation flight operations manager Dan Power said the airline was pleased to help.

“We saw a need and are very happy to do our bit to support East Coast communities.

“Even though the road network is operational, some people may be reluctant to travel by road. It is good to be able to offer travellers an alternative, and we are very grateful for the support of Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa, and Gisborne airports to allow us to offer this service.”

Sunair Aviation’s schedule connects Napier, Gisborne and Wairoa with daily flights (six passenger capacity per flight) from Monday, June 26, on weekdays.

Gisborne has two return flights each day and there are two return flights daily between Napier and Wairoa.

“Fares are $240 incl GST one way between Gisborne and Napier,” says Mr Power. “And thanks to the support being offered by Hawke’s Bay Airport and Wairoa District Council we are able to reduce the Napier  to Wairoa airfares to $190,” he said.

Sunair is also introducing a new once-daily departure between Napier and Tauranga return via Gisborne, further improving connectivity.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the Sunair service would provide Wairoa people with another option.

“Cyclone Gabrielle highlighted our isolation issues and the vulnerability of the routes into and out of Wairoa. I welcome Hawke’s Bay Airport and Sunair Aviation working together to provide this new service for Wairoa people. Any additional connectivity layer must be a win for our community.

“We recognise that due to our small population base there will be limitations around this service and that the fares will not be the same as regional fares.

“However, at a time when we have lost so much it is great to have a new service and option for our district. “

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said it would add to the direct transport options between Gisborne and Napier, and would be welcomed by the community.

“We know our roading network is fragile. The direct flights offered by Air New Zealand were very popular and having more choices will contribute to a healthy, productive relationship between us and our Hawke’s Bay neighbours,” Mayor Stoltz said.

Air New Zealand’s temporary Gisborne to Hawke’s Bay service started on February 26 and ended on June 10.

During that time it carried more than 5700 passengers.