Originair’s Blenheim-Christchurch Flights Strengthen South Island Links as Christchurch Airport Builds on Last Year’s Growth
(NEWS) CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 2025-Oct-22 — /Travel PR News/ — Christchurch Airport has strengthened its role as a key gateway for the South Island, celebrating the launch of Originair’s new service between Blenheim and Christchurch. The route, which began on 19 October, was welcomed with a ceremonial water arch as the aircraft taxied in, marking the restoration of a vital regional connection for business travellers, tourists, and patients accessing specialist healthcare. Operated by a British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft, the new weekday and Sunday return service reconnects communities and supports the regional economy.
Gordon Bevan, General Manager Aeronautical Development at Christchurch Airport, said the collaboration with Originair and Marlborough Airport reflects the airport’s ongoing commitment to regional connectivity. “Partnerships like this ensure essential travel remains easy and reliable. Regional routes are vital to our network, supporting connectivity, care, and commerce across the island,” he noted. With a projected 20,000-passenger market—equivalent to two-thirds of Blenheim’s population—the service is set to play a meaningful role in supporting Marlborough’s social and economic wellbeing.
The new regional service also builds on Christchurch Airport’s broader trajectory of growth, following a significant period of international expansion last year, according to a press announcement published on TravelPRNews.com. During the previous summer season, the airport recorded a 25% increase in long-haul international seat capacity through collaborations with airline partners including Qantas, Jetstar, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. These expansions boosted connections across Australia, the U.S., and Asia, reinforcing Christchurch’s position as a major hub for both visitors to the South Island and New Zealanders heading abroad.
While many of those expanded services were seasonal or limited to the 2024–2025 summer schedule, they highlighted the airport’s strong partnerships and the region’s growing appeal. Increased domestic flights—including up to 23 daily services between Christchurch and Auckland—and higher air freight capacity also demonstrated the airport’s role in supporting both passenger mobility and exports such as fresh produce and seafood.
With Originair’s new Blenheim-Christchurch connection, Christchurch Airport continues to enhance accessibility and economic growth across the South Island. The partnership reflects a long-term vision of ensuring regional New Zealand remains well-connected, both within the country and to the wider world.
