Flight axing is perplexing

IT’S surprising that Philippine Airlines are cutting their Manila-CairnsAuckland flights at the end of the year.

Instead the carrier will fly three times a week directly from Manila to Auckland, bypassing Cairns altogether.

It leaves Cairns without regular direct flights between New Zealand and the Far North despite more Kiwis travelling here, at last count 53,000 a year, a rise of nearly 40 per cent, the region’s fastest growing source of tourists.

The axing of the Cairns leg comes after Cairns Airport reported back in November that passenger numbers from Auckland were 524 per cent higher for the month, a year after Philippine Airlines started the service.

The last time the airport provided passport statistics, also in November last year, Philippine passport holder growth at 871 for the month and 10,782 for the 12 months was up by 385 per cent and comparative New Zealand figures were 1426 and 39,095, a rise of 16 per cent, much of this attributed to Philippine Airlines.

The airway says it is considering a direct Manila-Cairns route but that leaves the Far North bereft of regular non-stop flights to New Zealand.

Airport and tourism senior managers are in talks with Air New Zealand and other airlines about filling the gap.

Philippine Airlines will not give a reason for the change in tack but it just doesn’t seem to make sense if the statistics are considered.

The Far North needs direct flights to and from New Zealand to make it easier and quicker for Kiwis who want a tropical holiday, not just a glitzy beach break on the Gold Coast.

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