Queenstown Airport celebrates 90 years of community and connection

The 1930s were a golden era for aviation and the people of the Whakatipu Basin were excited by the possibility of connecting with the rest of New Zealand and other parts of the world more easily than ever before. They identified the disused Frankton racecourse as the perfect location for an official aerodrome and began lobbying politicians and officials to make this happen. A landing ground licence was granted on 14 August 1935 and contractors were hired to level a grass airstrip.

From these humble beginnings, Queenstown Airport has evolved into an international gateway, world-renowned for its spectacular setting. It now welcomes more than 2.6 million passengers a year and has just started the largest infrastructure investment programme in its history.

“It is important to recognise milestones of this magnitude and to look back with gratitude for the foresight of those who laid the foundation for what we enjoy today. It is also an opportunity to take stock of our direction of travel to ensure Queenstown Airport remains a place our community takes pride in and our passengers love to travel through,” Queenstown Airport Board Chair Simon Flood says.

“Airports are important places, and we are proud of our long history and the deep connection we share with our community.”

Mr Flood says Queenstown Airport was built with entrepreneurial spirit and remains a vital enabler of social and economic wellbeing.

“We are carefully managing its growth to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the people and businesses of the Southern Lakes region for decades to come.”

Chief Operating Officer Todd Grace says it is a privilege to be responsible for developing infrastructure for the next generation.

“The next phase of our journey is really exciting for our team. We’re at the very beginning of a substantial programme of investment to enhance safety, resilience, sustainability, and customer experience.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of our story so far, and we’re committed to ensuring Queenstown Airport is fit for the future, while retaining what makes it special.”