Airline pilots are calling for security measures to be implemented on regional flights in case of a terror threat.
Prime Minister John Key said yesterday five New Zealanders are fighting with the Islamic State in Syria and up to 40 people are on a Government watchlist because of their involvement with or support for jihadist group.
The Government plans to change the law to allow the Minister of Internal Affairs to cancel passports for between one and three years and temporarily suspend them for 10 days in urgent cases.
The Airline Pilots' Association wants ground staff, baggage loaders and cleaners on domestic flights to be security- checked.
Technical director Rob Torenvlied also wants all passengers travelling on regional routes to be screened.
"I don't think that the argument of cost is a fair argument any more. The threat level has increased and we need to step up our game as well as an aviation sector to accommodate that."