A fuel squeeze is driving higher airfares and stronger demand for Air New Zealand, particularly on international routes. 

Long-haul fares have jumped 25% over the past year, trans-Tasman 20%, and domestic flights 10%. 

Jet fuel stocks have climbed to 51.4 days, according to the latest figures. 

Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking long-haul is 'a double-edged sword' – costly in fuel but buoyed by rising demand, with New Zealand being one of the safer passages available. 

He says that's why they're being careful about how much long haul flying they consolidate. 

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