NZ airports may come in for criticism

Wellington and Auckland airports are expected to be criticised at two international aviation industry events in Europe in December.

At top level conferences in Turkey and Switzerland, the airports will be held up as examples of abusing monopoly positions to increase landing fees for airlines, industry sources told today's Dominion Post.

Auckland and Wellington airport landing charges are regarded as being among the most expensive in the world.

Both airports have said that their fees are in line with similar international airports and dispute that they are among the most expensive.

The world's largest airline grouping, Star Alliance, is expected to use its regular gathering of chief executives from member airlines in Istanbul, Turkey, to wade into the global airport charging debate.

Air New Zealand is a member of the Star Alliance, as well as the International Air Transport Association, which will also focus on airports at a global media event in Geneva two days later.

Wellington International Airport announced this month it would increase its fees 3 per cent a year for the next five years from June.

Auckland airport more than doubled its asset valuations from four years ago to $2.7 billion, leading to airlines fearing an increase in landing fees of up to $38 million a year.

- NZPA