Regional aviation in New Zealand faces potential collapse without continued government support, according to Air Chathams CEO Duane Emeny. Emeny stated the system has been in market failure for years, with financial sustainability increasingly difficult to achieve. Air Chathams operates several regional routes, including services to the Chatham Islands, a remote archipelago in the South Pacific. The airline has faced declining passenger numbers and rising operational costs, making it hard to maintain viable routes. Emeny emphasized that without financial assistance or policy changes, the network could become unsustainable. The situation has sparked concern among local communities reliant on these services for transport and emergency access. Airlines in similar regions have also reported similar challenges, highlighting a broader issue in maintaining regional connectivity.