Airline passenger security charges to increase

Media Release
Aviation Security Service
Wellington, 28 March 2013

Airline passenger security charges to increase

Airline passenger security charges paid by airlines for departing passengers are set to increase, Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Nigel Gould announced today.

The increases, which takes effect from 1 June 2013, will see the international charge rise by $3.98 to $11.98 (GST inclusive) and the domestic charge rise by $0.90 to $4.60 (GST inclusive) per departing passenger.

These increases come after two years of reduced charges, introduced to eliminate a projected $27 million accumulated surplus by June 2013. “When the reduction was announced in 2011, the government signalled that passenger security charges would need to increase again from 2013, once the accumulated surplus had been redistributed to air travellers” Mr Gould said.

“These new charges better reflect the actual cost of providing screening and other security services at our airports” he said.

General Manager for the Aviation Security Service Mark Everitt said that “It has been a difficult trading environment since 2011 and two airports have ceased international flights (Hamilton and Palmerston North) and we have not met our budgeted passenger numbers as a result of the global financial crisis.

Nigel Gould went on to say “For a mainly charges-funded business, this new economic environment has placed considerable stress on the organisation and as such the Board will undertake an independent review this year of the Aviation Security Service operating model and future funding requirements”.

“The Aviation Security Service is committed to ensuring the security of our airports across New Zealand and the safety of the domestic and international travelling public. These increases ensure this service will continue.” Mr Everitt said.

ENDS

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