Daily flights between Dunedin and Queenstown are planned for late this year or early next by a newly formed regional airline.
Kiwi Regional Airlines, run by former Kiwi Air boss and Hamilton City Councillor Ewan Wilson, has announced an early morning flight from Dunedin, and a return flight in the late afternoon, seven days a week.
The service would offer access to a close international airport for Dunedin travellers, who have to travel to Christchurch for any international travel apart from to and from Brisbane.
The planned airline will also consider flights further south to Invercargill in future.
Kiwi Air collapsed after intense competition and Mr Wilson was later convicted of fraud.
He said the plan for the new airline was to fill the gaps in airline service in New Zealand, and facilitate travel between regional centres.
The service would provide employment and tourism opportunities.
The Dunedin to Queenstown route would continue to Nelson.