Air New Zealand is being criticised by Samoa and Cook Islands for demanding millions of dollars in subsidies, to maintain services through the island countries to the United States.

New Zealand television says the Samoan government is accusing the government-controlled airline of holding it to ransom.

It says the weekly Los Angeles flight is crucial for Samoa's trade and tourism.

TVNZ also understands the Cook Islands government has been told to quadruple its current subsidy of more than a million US dollars if it wants the service to continue.

Air New Zealand says it has been very open with Pacific governments about the declining performance of these services, and the airline is seeking their advice as to whether the flights will be continued.