Queenstown Airport breaks ground on biggest-ever airfield investment

Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O’Hare, Fulton Hogan Chief Executive Ben Hayward, Associate Minister of Transport and Minister for the South Island James Meager, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, and Kāi Tahu representative Paulette Tamati-Elliffe.

The first sod has been turned on Queenstown Airport's new heavy taxiway, marking a major milestone in the largest infrastructure investment programme in the airport’s history.

Associate Minister of Transport and Minister for the South Island James Meager, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover, and mana whenua representatives joined Queenstown Airport Chair Simon Flood and Chief Executive Shane O’Hare, alongside project partners at a celebration this morning.

“Today, we're not simply turning the first sod on a construction project,” Mr O'Hare said. “We're marking the beginning of a new chapter in Queenstown Airport's history and investing in infrastructure that will serve the region for decades to come.”

The heavy taxiway is the centrepiece of a $65 million airfield upgrade, which will also include a complete overlay of the main runway.

“The taxiway is a key feature of our Master Plan, but only part of a broader infrastructure investment programme that will transform Queenstown Airport for the future,” Mr O’Hare said. 

Other big projects include a major expansion and upgrade of the airport terminal, redevelopment of the public areas around the terminal, new baggage-handling facilities, and a new head office building.

“As an international gateway to one of New Zealand’s most important tourism and economic regions, our passenger numbers are growing and we have a responsibility to ensure our infrastructure is fit for the future,” Mr O’Hare said. “These investments will support our airline partners, enhance the customer experience, and create a gateway that reflects our spectacular location.”

Minister Meager said: “Queenstown Airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for Otago and the wider South Island, supporting tourism, trade, emergency response, and the movement of people and goods. This investment will strengthen the resilience and efficiency of the airfield, helping ensure the region remains safely and reliably connected as demand continues to grow.”

Queenstown Airport Chief of Aviation and Customer Todd Grace said the taxiway meant heavy aircraft would no longer need to backtrack along the runway before taking off or after landing.

“It is unusual for an airport with the volume of aircraft movements we handle to operate without a heavy taxiway. This investment will enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, reduce aircraft delays both on the ground and in the air, lower aircraft fuel usage, and protect our most valuable asset – the runway.”

Fulton Hogan has been appointed as the main contractor and is bringing in specialist crews with extensive airfield expertise.

Fulton Hogan Chief Executive Ben Hayward said the company was pleased to partner with Queenstown Airport on such a significant project.

“We have a strong track record delivering complex airfield projects across New Zealand and Australia and are proud to be helping deliver infrastructure that will improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and support connectivity to one of New Zealand's most important tourism destinations."

WORK PROGRAMME

Queenstown Airport Project Manager Greg Emms said the airfield project team was focused on limiting disruption and would keep the community informed as work progressed.

To complete the project as efficiently as possible and minimise disruption to airport operations, construction will take place during day and night shifts and will be carefully staged so the airport remains fully operational throughout the works.

The perimeter fence on the southern edge of the airfield has been moved in to allow the taxiway to be constructed outside the aviation security zone. It will be moved back once the taxiway has been completed.

Work will start at the Shotover end of the airfield and will include earthworks at night to build up the area between the end of the runway and Hawthorne Drive.

Over summer, Fulton Hogan will also repair and resurface the main runway as part of the airport’s regular maintenance programme. The most recent runway overlay was completed in 2016.

A project site with access from Purple Ash Avenue is being established on the southern side of the airport. A mobile asphalt plant will also be set up on site, minimising truck movements and associated emissions. 

“Queenstown Airport is a vital regional and international gateway to the lower South Island, so it is important we invest in resilient infrastructure,” Mr Emms said. “We really appreciate the community’s support and patience while this work is under way.”