An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices. 

The airline's adjusted fares - lifting domestic flights $10 and long-haul flights $90.

It's suspended its guidance from less than a fortnight ago, expecting second-half earnings similar to the $59 million first-half loss.

Irene King says the airline could slash its spending. 

"They really have never addressed the cost side of their business post-Covid - and they really could get stuck in there, their labour costs are astronomical."

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