Air NZ scraps scheme offering cheaper last-minute regional fares

Air New Zealand has scrapped its long-running Regional Gotta Go fares scheme after a decade in operation, citing low demand.

Introduced in 2015, the service allowed passengers to book last-minute seats on regional routes at a fixed price, subject to availability.

Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson said the service had been removed due to low demand.

"We know affordable air connectivity is important for regional communities, and we will continue to offer a range of fares across our network, including deals through Grabaseat," Wilkinson said.

"For customers who need to travel at short notice due to bereavement or critical illness, compassionate fares remain available."

The scheme allowed customers to book a seat on a regional flight between 60 to 90 minutes before departure, provided seats were still available.

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Regional Gotta Go fares sat at a set price of $169 for a one-way flight or $249 for a multi-sector journey.

Flights between major centres including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown were excluded, but the fares applied on routes connecting those hubs to regional towns.