Joan Cleary, a former photographer has just arrived from the UK for a wedding.

An Air NZ pilot who fell into a deep sleep twice while at the controls of a passenger flight says he was fatigued because he couldn't rest properly in London hotels.

Air New Zealand has more than doubled it first-half profit after lifting passenger volumes and boosting yields on international routes.

Kiwi travellers are being ripped off by three of the country's major airports due to inflated landing fees charged to airlines, a consumer watchdog says.

Airlines say travellers would enjoy cheaper air fares if Wellington International Airport lowered its landing fees.

Auckland Airport's ageing domestic terminal is undergoing a $30 million overhaul to cope with a surge in passengers and to buy time before a decision on where a new terminal will be built.

Auckland's air traffic controllers need a keen eye and the ability to stay calm and collected in all situations.

London's Stansted airport is in an "interesting" market - but Kiwi firm Morrison & Co says it's too soon to say whether it'll bid for the business.