Celebrating Five Years of Jet Service Boosting Invercargill and Auckland

• The direct jet service between Auckland and Invercargill marks its fifth anniversary today.
• The service has driven economic growth and enhanced connectivity throughout the Southland region.
• Invercargill Airport and partners remain committed to further investments in regional tourism and business.

Invercargill and Auckland are celebrating a significant milestone today: the fifth anniversary of their direct jet service. Launched in August 2019, this service has been pivotal in transforming the connectivity and economic landscape of the Southland region. Invercargill Airport, alongside regional partners including local businesses, community leaders, and iwi, has recognised the substantial impact this service has had on the community and local businesses.

The direct jet service was initially introduced as a trial, driven by years of strategic planning, research, and community advocacy. Its success was evident from the start, quickly establishing itself as a permanent fixture in New Zealand’s aviation network.

Stuart Harris, CEO of Invercargill Airport, highlights the community’s role in making this service a reality: “Five years ago, the community came together and lobbied to create better connectivity for Southland. Today we celebrate how far we’ve come.

The direct flights to Auckland have not only opened doors for our local businesses but also strengthened ties across the country. We’ve seen our tourism numbers grow, businesses thrive, and more people consider Southland as their home.”

The service has provided substantial benefits to the region. It has enabled Southland businesses to expand by offering direct access to larger markets and facilitating the efficient transport of goods, particularly perishable and high-value items. This increased accessibility has also boosted Southland’s tourism sector, making the region more appealing to both domestic and international visitors.

Harris adds, “Our exporters now have a reliable and efficient way to move goods in and out of the region. And for our residents, it has meant greater access to travel and business opportunities, all while showcasing Invercargill as a gateway to the beauty of Southland.”

Looking ahead, Invercargill Airport and its partners, including Air New Zealand, are committed to continued investment in infrastructure to support regional tourism and business growth. “The last five years have only been the beginning, and we’re excited to see what the next five will bring,” says Harris.

As Southland celebrates this five-year milestone, the region stands more connected, confident, and ready for future successes than ever before.