Airport parking income jumps

‘‘Auckland Airport collected $52 million from parking fees in 2016.’’

Consumer NZ has revealed a sharp rise in car parking earnings at Auckland Airport.

It said Auckland Airport collected $52m from parking fees in 2016, up from $43m in 2014.

By contrast Christchurch Airport’s parking earnings dropped.

Consumer said Wellington Airport did not report parking earnings separately, but parking fees were more than twice the level they were in the capital’s city centre.

‘‘The capital’s travellers may be justified in feeling aggrieved about the airport’s fees,’’ said Olivia Wannan from Consumer.

‘‘Rates for an hour’s parking are more than double what you pay to park in the city centre.

‘‘They’re also higher than hourly rates at either Christchurch or Auckland’s domestic terminal.’’

In a special report on airport parking, Consumer said despite their monopoly positions, the three major airports did not face regulation over parking fees.

When asked by Consumer about their parking fees, the airports said they compared well to fees charged by airports overseas, especially Australia’s airports.

The majority of people avoid parking at airports, and instead get dropped off, take a taxi, or go by bus. Auckland Airport offered 10 per cent off ‘‘park and ride’’ for booking online.