# Regional airlines get $5.7m funding for operating costs

> Government provides $5.7m to regional airlines to manage rising fuel costs.
- Title: Regional airlines get $5.7m funding for operating costs · RNZ
- Summary: Government provides $5.7m to regional airlines to manage rising fuel costs. New funding helps regional airlines offset jet fuel price hikes and maintain…
- Keywords: regional airlines, fuel costs, operating costs, regional infrastructure fund, sounds air, shane jones, james meager, regional development ministry, politics, news, Regional, airlines
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/political/1733686/regional-airlines-get-5-point-7m-funding-to-help-manage-operating-costs
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-04T20:44:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: regional airlines, fuel costs, operating costs, regional infrastructure fund, sounds air, shane jones, james meager, regional development ministry, politics, news
## Government funding
The government offers $5.7 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to help regional airlines manage operating costs.
## Current challenges
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says airlines face extraordinary times with jet fuel prices up more than 50 percent since March.

> extraordinary times
## Funding mechanism
Grants range from $300,000 to $1.2 million based on passenger volumes and flight movements.
## Support expectations
Associate Transport Minister James Meager expects airlines to maintain current service levels with this financial relief.
## Sounds Air response
Sounds Air CEO Andrew Crawford says funding makes a difference but criticizes fuel companies for doubling profits.

> really does make a difference
## Fuel cost impact
Fuel prices rose 35c per litre this month with airlines cutting 30 percent of flights to manage costs.

> tough times
## Key takeaway

New funding helps regional airlines offset jet fuel price hikes and maintain essential services.