Auckland International Airport says it is in danger of losing some airlines' direct long-haul routes as the global financial crisis slashes passenger volumes.
The airport says its airline customers are under intense pressure and it is working with some of them to retain their direct international routes.
Auckland International Airport chief executive Simon Moutter says the airport has a team dedicated to retaining existing customers and expanding the number of airlines that fly to and from Auckland.
Mr Moutter says Boeing has forecast that over the next 19 years the Asia-Pacific region will experience the world's fastest growth in air traffic.
He says the airport needs to stay focused on expanding its business during the economic downturn, rather than retrenching.