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If you are leaving New Zealand from Christchurch Airport on or after 1 July 2010 you will be delighted to learn you no longer need to pay a NZ$25 international departure fee after check-in at the airport.

This is as a result of the long awaited transition to a Passenger Service Charge (PSC), where the departure fee is included in the airfare costs. The shift from one system to another will occur at midnight on June 30th 2010.

“Travellers and airlines have been telling us for quite some time that the old departure fee process was a real hassle,” said Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult. “This new system streamlines the departure process, and makes it simpler and easier for passengers, airlines and Customs.” 

“This change also brings Christchurch International Airport into line with Auckland, and with other major gateways around the world,” said Boult.

The travel and tourism industry has welcomed the move. “Any initiative which makes a trip to New Zealand more enjoyable and streamlined for international visitors is advantageous to our industry”, said Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler. “New Zealand has some of the best tourism attractions and experiences in the world, and we applaud any move that improves the visitor experience.” 

For flights up to midnight on 30 June 2010, departing international passengers will still pay a departure fee after check-in and before proceeding to Customs. However if they are returning after 1 July 2010, they will generally only need to pay half the departure fee, as the other half will already be included in the airfare costs. 

Passengers who purchase tickets before July 2010, and who travel after 1 July 2010, will have the PSC included in their airfare costs.  There are exemptions from the departure charge for infants, children aged under 12 years, diplomats, government officials, military personnel, airline crew on duty, and transit passengers who stop in Christchurch Airport for less than 6 hours and stay in the departure lounge. 

Information on the new system of charges is available on the Christchurch Airport website www.christchurchairport.co.nz

To read the full media release from CHC International Airport including a list of FAQ's and answers, please click here.

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