An embarrassment for Wellington as it loses it's only direct flight to its sister city.

Singapore Airlines has ditched its hyped Capital Express service between Wellington and Singapore via Canberra.

That stop over will now be replaced with Melbourne because the airline says there are better long term benefits.

The two capital cities only became sister cities in 2016 after the four day a week flight was announced.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said the capital's connection with Canberra might be a bit more difficult to maintain, but will stay strong.
"The reality was with the four day a week service if you were going over for only a couple of days chances were you were going one way direct and coming back via Sydney anyway."

He is welcoming the move, saying there' is a preference amongst Wellingtonians to head to Melbourne anyway.

"I would have been disappointed if we had cancelled the service entirely, but that hasn't happened. . I look forward to popping over and checking out Melbourne but I also look forward to keeping up that relationship with Canberra."

House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said the Melbourne route makes more sense because the city has more to offer.

"The main destinations for New Zealanders to Australia are on the eastern seaboard, so even for business travel or holidaymakers, Melbourne's definitely been one of those highlight places."

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford said he agrees.

"If you cold hearted about it, a relationship with Melbourne potentially has more potential for the city, for tourism, for exports than a relationship via Canberra."

Milford said the express flight's short existence hasn't been a waste.

"We will still build on that relationship going forward. The only difference is we just have to go through Melbourne or Sydney to get there now."

Despite the deal being axed, Wellington City Council will continue giving money to Singapore Airlines to stay in the capital.

Lester said what could be a contribution worth $8 million over a decade still stands.