Kiwis keep travelling despite warnings

An Auckland Airport spokesman said its security measures were based on advice from government agencies, and it had not been warned of an increased risk. Photo / AP

New Zealanders are being urged not to travel to Belgium - but Kiwis say they won't be put off going there long-term.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised its warning to Kiwis intending to travel to the European country, saying there is a high risk to personal security because of the threat of terrorism.

But several Kiwis on the streets of Auckland yesterday said the attacks wouldn't deter their future travel plans.

Jacqui Dickson, 18, said she would still go to Europe.

"I was planning on going [to Europe] at the end of the year so it wouldn't really deter my plans to go there anyway."

Sarah Conaghan said she would "definitely still go".

"There was an attack in Jakarta and I'm still going to Indonesia pretty soon. Nothing like that would stop me going."

Damon Thomas believed going to Belgium wouldn't be riskier than going many other places.

"Bad things always happen. ... you can pick and choose where you want to go, and you may or may not end up in one of these explosions."

House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said Kiwis with travel planned to Belgium should get in touch with their airline or travel agent to discuss their options.

Flight Centre NZ managing director David Coombes said they had not had any customers cancel their travel to Brussels or Europe following the attacks. He also urged affected customers to get in touch with their airline or travel agent.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Simon Bridges said there were no imminent threats to domestic aviation.

"However, we continue to monitor the security situation, both here in New Zealand and abroad."

A review of New Zealand's airport and aviation security was launched in late 2014 when the terror threat level in New Zealand was raised from "very low" to "low". International media have reported the suspected terrorists' targeting of an airport could prompt a re-think about where people are screened within departure terminals in Europe. Travellers are generally not screened before they enter a terminal.

An Auckland Airport spokesman said its security measures were based on advice from government agencies, and it had not been warned of an increased risk. He said staff would remain vigilant of any suspicious activity "as they always are".