Auckland Airport delivers good value for travellers

31 July 2013

Auckland Airport delivers good value for travellers

The Commerce Commission's report into information disclosure by Auckland International Airport released today demonstrates that airports are continuing to deliver for travellers and New Zealand, said New Zealand Airports Association chief executive Kevin Ward.

Mr Ward said that airports are drivers of tourism growth, major generators of employment, and essential to high value air freight. “Airport performance is critical to New Zealand’s future. The Commission’s report on Auckland Airport highlights the positive performance in innovation, quality and pricing,” said Mr Ward.

Airport charges in New Zealand compare very favourably on an international basis. Charges for domestic flights in New Zealand are generally between a third and a half of Australian equivalent airports. Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports' charges for international flights are in the mid to lower range of worldwide comparisons. Mr Ward said while they’re only a fraction of airline costs, airport charges fund essential tourism and trade infrastructure for New Zealand.

“The major airports are putting considerable time and effort into the information disclosures to ensure there is transparency about the basis for charges and annual results, and whether airports are investing appropriately for the future.”

Mr Ward said the new Information Disclosure approach is providing comprehensive information to all parties, including airlines, consumers and the public.

The Commerce Commission’s report on Auckland Airport’s information disclosure released today is part of an overall assessment of information disclosure by airports. Mr Ward cautioned that it is only early days under the new information requirements, and the full picture of airport performance will become clear over time.

"The current regulatory framework is clearly working. It's right for New Zealand and the results speak for themselves," Mr Ward said.

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