A report shows international air travel will take at least five years to return to pre-Covid levels

Analysis by Forsyth Barr has found travel will take until 2024 to match 2019 passenger numbers.

The report finds added hassles, higher costs, and apathy to travel means enthusiasm to fly will decline as a result of the pandemic.

It also finds passenger numbers will be 22 per cent lower on international routes and 18 per cent down on domestic, compared to pre-Covid forecast numbers.

The virus has sent at least 44 airlines into administration or out of business.