Meanwhile, the adjustments in flight capacity and scheduling have been labelled "another blow for the South" by a local MP who says they will keep her away from her family for even longer.
Air New Zealand announced on Wednesday flights between Dunedin and Wellington would now use smaller ATR-72 turboprop planes instead of its roomier Airbus A320 jets.
The ATR-72 seats 68 passengers, while an Airbus A320 seats 171.
The first flight of the day would now depart Dunedin at 6.35am and arrive in Wellington at 8.30am — 50 minutes later than it typically did using an A320.
In a statement on Wednesday, Air New Zealand domestic general manager Scott Carr said domestic demand had softened across most customer segments in response to a tough economic backdrop.
Aircraft were also out of service due to global engine maintenance issues, and it had adjusted its schedule as a result.
The Otago Daily Times understands the airline hopes to review its jet capacity around the end of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026, once the engine issues are resolved.
An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said it regularly reviewed its schedule and making changes was "not uncommon".
The last return non-stop flight would be at 4.30pm, while a connecting flight through Christchurch would depart Wellington after 6pm.
At present, the latest direct flight departs Wellington at 7.45pm.
Debating in Parliament rarely finished by 4.30pm, and depending on what was being debated, it meant she would have to stay an extra night in Wellington, Ms Brooking said.
"That means it’s another evening away from my family, and part of a day I could spend on the ground in Dunedin with my constituents," she said.
"It does feel like it’s been another rough week for the South."
Given the recent announcement about the new Dunedin hospital build, and issues with Otago Polytechnic not meeting the government’s criteria as a financially viable stand-alone tertiary educator, it was "another blow for the South".
"Why do they keep forgetting about the South Island?"
Business South chief executive Mike Collins said the adjustment was frustrating and "just a big inconvenience".
It would have a "big impact" on the community as some travellers would struggle to get flights and could potentially end up paying more for overnight accommodation.
"In my role, I need to get up to Wellington quite a bit to get in front of ministers and advocate for things.
"You don’t get as much input or impact over video calls and the like."
Dunedin was already a challenging location for accessibility, and a lack of it added costs to businesses, he said.
He expected the price of flights on the ATR-72 could rise given the scarcer number of seats.
It was "damn expensive" for businesses to travel domestically, and the adjustment was following the "fantastic" announcement of direct flights to the Gold Coast.
"I think we might as well start having meetings in Australia.
"It might be more affordable," he said.
Earlier this week, the airline announced it would cut its direct service from Invercargill to Wellington from January 19 next year.
