Figures released by the airport after a board meeting yesterday seem to back up that claim more international passengers flew out of Hamilton between May and August this year than the same period last year. The numbers were up two per cent, beating Freedom flight figures from last year.
But there was a drop in passengers flying here from Australia 38 per cent down, something the airport says Air New Zealand should take responsibility for.
Airport chairman Jerry Rickman said Air New Zealand's argument that poor passenger numbers helped drive the decision was not accurate.
"Air New Zealand's assertion that the Waikato catchment area, including Tauranga and Rotorua, is not performing is untrue."
The airport company met the five shareholding mayors yesterday to discuss Air New Zealand's pull-out. Hamilton International Airport is jointly owned by Hamilton city and Waipa, Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Otorohanga district councils.
Mr Rickman said the increase in people flying out showed an underlying strength in the regional market and painted a "hugely different picture" than Air New Zealand had led people to believe.
The fall-off in people coming the other way could be put down to Air New Zealand's absence of marketing for Hamilton.
Shareholder spokesman Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston said Air New Zealand's reduced influence at Hamilton left the door open for a new carrier. All five councils backed any airport board moves to negotiate with low-cost airlines. However, airlines spoken to by the Times this week were lukewarm.
Mr Livingston said the airport would look at the costs involved in extending the runway to attract Asian airlines.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock said the airport was still working on the financial impact of Air New Zealand's planned withdrawal, but said it would "quite seriously hit" revenue because of reduced landing fees and other related income. The airport was a core piece of regional infrastructure, more than a facility that had to make a profit.
"There were some encouraging signs about the future of the airport. It won't be easy, but it's part of the long-term commitment all of the councils have made."
Airport chief executive Chris Doak said it was comforting to have the support of the shareholding councils to start talks.
Asked whether the priority was on the runway extension or attracting a new airline, Mr Doak said the answer was simple.
"Clearly, we are focused on the business as usual aspect and this is a real opportunity for a low cost carrier to come in."