Airfares are still on the rise, and the Government is considering getting involved. 

It hasn’t ruled out underwriting the expansion of small regional airlines to help maintain routes and keep the price of tickets competitive.  

Associate Transport Minister in charge of Aviation, James Meager says he’s uncomfortable with the idea of flying becoming accessible only to the wealthy.  

NZ Airports Association CEO Billie Moore told Kerre Woodham they have to be upfront in that no airline is really going to go up against a government-owned carrier like Air New Zealand on existing routes. 

She says it's not a viable option, particularly for smaller carriers. 

LISTEN ABOVE