Labour will give Kiwis clearer prices, stronger passenger rights, and more choice when they fly.
“For many New Zealanders flying is how we get home for a birthday, get to a hospital appointment in another city, or keep a business running,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“But flying is expensive, and on many regional routes there is little or no competition. Kiwis are struggling with the cost of living and are finding it harder and harder to make those important trips. Only Labour has a real plan to tackle it across the economy.
“Labour will make prices more transparent, open opportunities for smaller airlines to compete and give passengers more rights.
“Kiwis deserve better prices, better protection and more choices when they fly,” Chris Hipkins said.
Labour will:
Show the real price up front: Require airlines to show all-in, real-time airfares so Kiwis can properly compare the true cost of flights.
Put passengers first: Require big airlines to provide automatic refunds when flights are cancelled or significantly changed, with compensation or reimbursement when checked baggage is significantly delayed or paid services aren’t delivered.
Open the skies to more competition: Require fair access to essential airport infrastructure so smaller airlines can grow and compete.
Make airlines more accountable: Require airlines to publicly report delays, cancellations and baggage performance, alongside greater scrutiny of fares, costs and profits.
Keep airport costs under control: Make sure airports can raise capital and borrow cheaply, so essential infrastructure investment doesn’t unnecessarily push up airfares.
“For many regional routes there is limited or no competition. That means fewer choices for travellers and less pressure on airlines to offer better prices and service,” Labour commerce and consumer affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said.
“Smaller airlines shouldn’t have to compete with one hand tied behind their backs. Labour will give them fair access to the airport facilities they need to grow and connect regional New Zealand.
“We’ll make airlines more accountable, with greater scrutiny of fares, costs and profits and clear reporting on delays, cancellations and baggage.
“When an airline screws up, passengers shouldn’t have to fight to get their money back. If your flight is cancelled or significantly changed, you’ll get an automatic refund.
“Regional connections matter too. When an essential air service is at risk, Labour will bring the industry together to find long-term solutions to keep communities connected.
“National’s answer has been to hand smaller airlines a bit of extra cash to help them get by, while leaving the barriers to competition in place. That won’t help smaller airlines grow or give passengers more choice.
“Labour will open up competition, give smaller airlines a fair shot and give passengers enforceable rights when airlines let them down,” Arena Williams said.
