Air Milford chief executive Hank Sproull has flown the route between Queenstown and Milford Sound ‘‘thousands’’ of times. PHOTOS: MARK PRICE : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss

The final approach into Milford Sound Airport. : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss

Sighteeing aircraft parked at Milford Sound Airport : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss

A group of tourists wait on the runway. : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss

A view of the Southern Alps from Air Milford’s Cessna Caravan : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss : Air Milford vows to fight against airport loss