A Government review into New Zealand's air navigation services is being applauded

Airways New Zealand last year announced plans to cut air traffic control services at over half the country's airports, including tourism hub Rotorua.

Now the Transport Ministry it will look into the funding needs of smaller airports.

Airports' Association Chief Executive Kevin Ward says there's a mis-match between the need for a safe, efficient network and the way it's funded.

The Air Line Pilots' Association says the original proposal was an attempt to take advantage of the Covid-19 crisis and had little regard for the obvious and devastating effect it would have on safety and regional connectivity.