Christchurch Airport has welcomed national carrier Eagle Air's decision to increase its flights between Wanaka and the Garden City.
The 40% increase in return flights from Christchurch to Wanaka comes a week after Queenstown and Auckland airports cemented a strategic deal.
Christchurch International Airport Ltd chief executive Jim Boult said the extra flights would fill a demand in the market for people who wanted greater frequency for flights from Christchurch into Wanaka, as well as transtasman traffic connecting through to Wanaka.
The new connection times would allow Australians to connect with ease through to Wanaka, he said.
The new flights have the potential to offset a perceived strategic loss, which Christchurch Airport, the South Island's main airport hub, has experienced as Auckland International Airport takes a 24.99% shareholding stake in Queenstown.
Mr Boult disputed a suggestion Auckland's airport was trying to muscle in on Christchurch's share of the South Island tourism market by forming an alliance with Queenstown.
"We're not really concerned at all about the relationship between Queenstown and Auckland. Airports are always in competition with one another.
"We're delighted with Eagle Air's announcement . . . we really hope it works," he said.
Eagle Air's decision to increase its flights comes a month after the collapse of charter holiday package operator FlyDirect, which had offered domestic flight and accommodation packages from Wellington and Christchurch.
