Government Loan Supports Air Link to Remote Stewart Island

A government loan of NZD 640,000 will support the refurbishment and return to service of an aircraft for Stewart Island Flights, the only airline providing scheduled air services between Invercargill Airport and Ryan's Creek Aerodrome on Stewart Island.

The funding will help complete a maintenance and upgrade program on one of the small carrier's aircraft, which has been out of regular use. This is expected to add resilience to the route and provide more capacity during peak visitor numbers, particularly over summer months when hikers, birdwatchers, and holidaymakers converge on Rakiura National Park.

The loan is seen as a vote of confidence in the long-term viability of Stewart Island's air link and its importance to the wider Southland regional economy. Tourism growth has put pressure on island access, with strong interest in the Rakiura Track, a New Zealand Great Walk, and growing awareness of the island's star-gazing, birdlife, and remote beaches.

The airline serves around 400 permanent residents who rely on air connectivity for medical evacuations to Invercargill and beyond. The loan is expected to help ensure that locally based pilots and aircraft remain available for both scheduled services and medical needs.