CAA New Zealand

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) is the state agency responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and security in New Zealand. Its jurisdiction covers all New Zealand airspace and aircraft registered in the country, under the Civil Aviation Act 2023, which replaced the 1990 Act on 5 April 2025. The CAA oversees operator certification, aircraft maintenance, air traffic management and compliance with safety rules, ensuring alignment with the international standards of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

New Zealand's CAA is responsible for flight safety (such as dangerous goods and batteries); fares and baggage allowances follow consumer law (the Fair Trading Act, enforced by the Commerce Commission) and each airline's rules:

• Price: the law prohibits misleading price information; check the total, with fees and baggage, before paying.
• Hand and checked baggage: there is no allowance required by law; each airline sets weight, dimensions and fees.
• Restricted items: lithium batteries, liquids and dangerous goods follow the safety rules of the CAA and the Aviation Security Service (Avsec).

Bringing animals into New Zealand is controlled by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), with strict biosecurity rules; the CAA only covers flight safety:

• Entry: except when they come from Australia, dogs and cats need an MPI import permit and spend at least 10 days in an approved quarantine facility; they may only arrive through Auckland or Christchurch airports.
• On the flight: in the cabin, airlines usually accept only certified assistance dogs; other animals travel in the hold, usually through a specialised pet transport company.
• Before travelling: check the requirements for the country of origin on the MPI website, as the process takes months.

• Seating Safety: Infants (under 2 years old) may travel on an adult's lap, provided they use a supplementary safety belt supplied by the airline.
• Equipment: most airlines carry strollers and car seats free of charge as extra checked baggage; no law requires families to be seated together for free, so ask for seats together when booking.
• CAA Standards: Any child restraint system (car seat) used on board must be approved for aircraft use in accordance with CAA safety specifications.

New Zealand maintains robust inclusion policies:

• Airport Assistance: Operators and airports are required to provide physical assistance for boarding and deplaning to passengers with reduced mobility.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): Passengers with chronic medical conditions or those requiring oxygen on board must submit the MEDIF form to the airline, typically 48 to 72 hours in advance.
• Wheelchairs: Must be transported at no additional cost, provided they are notified at the time of booking, especially if they are motorized (in this case, the battery must comply with CAA dangerous goods regulations).

• CAA (New Zealand) Main Website: https://www.caa.govt.nz/
• Civil Aviation Rules: https://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/
• Passenger Information: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/
• Drones and UAS Transportation: https://www.caa.govt.nz/drones/
• Ministry for Primary Industries (Animals) Guidelines: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bringing-into-nz/pets-horses-and-other-animals/