A family planning Christmas travel is comparing prices in a more expensive market than a year ago. The size of the increase still depends on the route, travel dates and what is included in the ticket.
In RNZ's 25 October report, economist Benje Patterson pointed to Stats NZ figures showing domestic airfares booked in September were 5.1 percent higher than a year earlier. International airfares were up 12.3 percent over the same comparison.
These are statistical measures. They do not mean every New Zealand flight, or every ticket to Manila, Delhi or Shanghai, has risen by the same percentage.
The airline's explanation
Air New Zealand told RNZ that higher jet-fuel costs had led it to lift fares, but that the extra revenue had not covered the whole cost increase. It declined to give one percentage for summer domestic fares because prices varied with the route, demand, seat availability and booking time.
Patterson expected more expensive holidays to keep pressure on domestic travellers' budgets. He also pointed to growing international visitor numbers as support for tourism businesses that serve overseas guests.
The fuel shock began earlier in the year
A Reuters report from March provides background. Air New Zealand then suspended its earnings outlook amid volatile fuel prices and described increases to one-way economy fares across domestic, short-haul and long-haul services.
That March account helps explain how fuel costs reached passengers earlier in 2026. Its quoted increases are historical announcements, not a fresh October surcharge or a current quote for a particular booking.
Compare the whole journey
When considering alternatives, compare the return fare with the same baggage and change conditions. Include the cost of reaching a different departure airport, any overnight accommodation and the practical effect of a long connection.
For families visiting relatives, the cheapest displayed ticket may leave little room for luggage or changing plans. A higher advertised fare can only be judged against what the traveller actually needs.
RNZ's report quotes Air New Zealand saying its best prices are generally available to people booking early. That is the airline's advice, not a promise that a specific price will rise tomorrow or that a sale cannot appear later.
Sources: RNZ's October reporting and Reuters' March fuel-cost reporting, checked 28 October 2026. No live fares were obtained for this article.
