The party would also allow greater access to airport infrastructure for smaller airlines, ensure airports could raise capital and borrow cheaply and require airlines to publicly report delays, cancellations and baggage performance, alongside greater scrutiny from the Commerce Commission regarding fares, costs and profits.
Labour’s policy document did not outline how the changes would be enacted, nor did it specify what qualified as “significant” changes to flights or delays to bag collection.
“Labour will make prices more transparent, open opportunities for smaller airlines to compete and give passengers more rights,” Hipkins said in a statement.
“Kiwis deserve better prices, better protection and more choices when they fly.”
Williams was critical of the lack of competition in the airline sector.
“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.”
“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.”
Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.