Air New Zealand has revealed it is adding additional capacity to some of its regional routes in December following Jetstar’s withdrawal of its regional services.

The airline said it will operate an additional 253 one-way flights in December on services it operates between Auckland and Napier, New Plymouth, Nelson and Palmerston North, as well as between Nelson and Wellington.

Air New Zealand Chief Revenue Officer, Cam Wallace, said the airline has been looking at ways to help support the routes affected by Jetstar’s withdrawal.

“Air services are extremely important for regional New Zealand, particularly over the busy holiday period, so we’re pleased to be able to step in and add capacity to the routes impacted,” he said.

“These additional services during the month of December reflect an increase of more than 15,500 extra seats to and from regional New Zealand. We are also continuing to look at additional capacity on our regional services post December.”