Labour pledges 'automatic refunds' for cancelled flights on big airlines

<p>Labour is taking aim at Air New Zealand's dominance of regional routes, promising to force open airport infrastructure to smaller airlines and to enshrine an array of consumer protections if elected. </p> <p>The party announced its aviation policy today, pledging automatic refunds for cancelled flights on larger carriers, all-in pricing and new Commerce Commission scrutiny of airline fares, costs and profits.</p> <p><b></b><a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/27/politics-live-national-and-labour-to-launch-election-campaigns-today/" target="_blank"><b>Follow all today's development from the election trail at our live updates</b></a></p> <p>Labour leader Chris Hipkins said flying was a necessity for many Kiwis, not a luxury.</p> <p>"For many New Zealanders flying is how we get home for a birthday, get to a hospital appointment in another city, or keep a business running," he said.</p> <p>"But flying is expensive, and on many regional routes there is little or no competition.