A regional airline has agreed to trial flights between Nelson and Blenheim while SH6 is closed for repairs following flooding in August.
New mayor Nick Smith has brokered the deal with Originair to help lessen the blow of seven weeks of road disruptions.
About 4000 vehicles normally use the stretch of SH6 each day and the detour will add an hour on to their trip, making it a 2 hour, 40 minute drive.
Origin Air chief executive Robert Inglis talks to Lisa Owen.
