Nelson and Blenheim residents will be swapping cars for a plane as a main highway gets fixed

Local company Originair has set up a morning and evening return air service - for people affected by the seven-week closure of State Highway 6 next month.

Massive rainfall in August severely damaged the road between Hira and the Rai Valley.

The only alternative route through the Wairau Valley extends the trip by an hour - whereas the flight will take 20 minutes.

Originair CEO Rob Inglis says ticket sales have been strong, and enough to ensure the route is economically viable during the seven weeks.