New Zealand: Airports call for monitoring of record high domestic airfares

New Zealand airports are calling for domestic airfares and airline performance to be monitored to provide greater transparency for consumers, amid record-high domestic fares. Data released by Stats NZ on Wednesday showed domestic airfares went up 7.4% in February compared to January 2024. Year-on-year domestic fares increased from February 2023 is 7.7%. NZ Airports Association (NZAA) CE Billie Moore said Air New Zealand had upped its domestic airfares yet again and increased the cost of add-ons such as bag check by $10. “It’s flagged that other costs, like checking in your pet, could also be in for a future price hike,” Moore said. “This is incredibly difficult for domestic and regional travellers. They’re already frustrated about how much they’re having to pay to fly, as well as high cancellation rates for Air New Zealand in some regions.”<br/>