Pacific Blue's decision to discontinue the domestic flights in New Zealand came as a blow to New Zealand airport operators, who fear that it would affect their revenues and a number of jobs in the aviation sector union 'the Engineering, Printing & Manufacturing Union' .

In mid-October, Pacific Blue would stop its domestic flights and would increase the number of trans-Tasman flights by 5 a week, as announced by the Company on August 16.

Andrew Little, EPMU National Secretary expressed that since many other service providers and suppliers are dependent on Pacific Blue, thus, with an end in the domestic flights, there will be significant job losses. Auckland and Wellington airport would lose around 90 ground staff. Also, 30-40 ground staff in Christchurch will feel the brunt and cabin crew of domestic flights will also get affected.

He said, "Once again, a large number of kiwi workers will pay the price of proving that our domestic aviation market cannot sustain three airlines on the main routes".

As told by Auckland International Airport, Pacific Blue contributed $2 million a year in their aeronautical revenue and its domestic flying provided 1.3% of that.

Pacific Blue carries 12% of the air traffic in Wellington. The Wellington Airport would have talks with the Company to create minimum disturbances to their passengers.

The gap in the domestic flights could be compensated with Air New Zealand or Jetstar by adding more to their capacity.