New Zealand won’t overhaul airport regulation, opting for a transparency review instead.

The New Zealand Commerce Commission has decided not to launch a formal inquiry into airport regulation, rejecting calls from Air New Zealand despite concerns over rising airport charges and lack of oversight. The decision means no changes to Part Four of the Commerce Act, and the commission will instead conduct a targeted review next year on information disclosure for major capital projects. Airport operators welcomed the outcome, citing the need for regulatory certainty to support critical infrastructure investments. While Air New Zealand praised the report's findings on consumer value, it warned that without reform, rising costs could make air travel less affordable. The focus will shift to improving transparency around future airport spending without disrupting long-term planning.