Auckland Airport's chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says the travel industry is recovering more quickly than anticipated and the new charges are needed to ensure the business can deliver the customer experience travellers want. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Airline charges at Auckland Airport are set to rise after it removed its year-long price freeze and outlined its pricing plan for the next five years.
The new charges will take effect from July and help fund the airport's infrastructure investments.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the airport set the new charges following consultation with major airlines.
Carrie Hurihanganui Photo: Supplied
"Travel is back, and the recovery is taking place more quickly than anyone expected. Now is the time for investment in Auckland Airport if we are to deliver the resilience and customer experience travellers want and the gateway New Zealand needs for the future," she said.
Under the new charges, which were calculated on a per passenger basis, domestic jet charges would average $11.85 over the five-year period.
Charges would initially rise $3.50 from $6.75 to $10.25, which Auckland Airport said was lower than current charges at Christchurch ($14.60) and Wellington ($15.20) airports.
Prices would then reach $15.45 by the 2027 financial year.
International airline charges would average $37.25 over the five-year period.
Charges would initially increase by $9.40 to $32.80, which the airport said was lower than equivalent charges at other major international airports in the region, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
International charges would reach $46.10 by 2027.
Regional airline charges would average $8.15 over the five-year period, with an initial $2.70 increase to $7.10, before reaching $10.70 by 2027.
"These changes have not been introduced lightly, particularly in the current economic environment. We are very mindful of cost to our airline partners and ultimately, travellers," Hurihanganui said.
"That's why we have been working hard to deliver a pragmatic and affordable solution while responding to airline requests for changes as much as possible."
The airline charges will be reviewed by the Commerce Commission.