Commerce Commission proposes additional rules for major airport investments
The Commerce Commission is proposing new information disclosure rules for Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch international airports to improve transparency around large capital investment proposals.
These airports face little competition, so regulation is in place to protect consumers. The current approach focuses on information disclosure rather than direct price control enabling the Commission to review pricing and investment decisions. This ensures they promote the long-term benefit of consumers.
However, the cost of major airport projects can ultimately be borne by passengers through airfares set by airlines.
Under the proposal, airports would need to provide more detailed and timely information on major investment proposals (excluding routine renewals) where the total estimated costs exceed 20% of an airport’s regulated asset base from the previous year. This would provide a clearer, timely picture of proposed large projects before airports make the investment decisions, including their scale, purpose and potential impact.
Airports are already required to disclose financial and performance information, including profitability, expenditure, service quality measures, and forward-looking information such as pricing and demand forecasts.
Greater and early visibility of large capital expenditure proposals would allow closer scrutiny of airport investment decisions and support more efficient spending. It would also help ensure airports invest in the right infrastructure, so travellers receive the service, reliability and capacity they need at a reasonable cost.
The Commission is seeking feedback on the proposed additional disclosure requirements by 23 July 2026. Cross-submissions will be invited until 10 August 2026.
Read more about changes to information disclosure requirements for airports 2026.
Background
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch international airports are regulated under Part 4 of the Commerce Act. The regulation protects consumers by encouraging airports to behave more like they would in a competitive market- keeping prices reasonable and service quality appropriate.
The three airports are subject to information disclosure for certain airport facilities and services. These services include aircraft, freight, airfield, and passenger terminal activities. The regulation does not cover other services such as car parks and retail facilities.
Airports currently are required already to disclose information about important capital projects – but only after key pricing decisions (called Price Setting Events, or PSEs).