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Queenstown Airport is embarking on a new stage in its capital works program, with an expanded terminal building and better earthquake protection.
The airport, New Zealand’s fourth busiest, will extend its terminal north by 800 square metres towards the airfield to provide new office space for Air New Zealand, Planebiz, and the Aviation Security Service, with the NZ$12 million project expected to be completed in 2027.
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It will include a non-passenger screening area for airport workers, contractors, and visitors, as well as “significant electrical upgrades” such as a new 1.5 MVA transformer, a new main electrical switch room, and a new airfield ground lighting power centre, replacing the existing Airways power centre.
“This will give airline staff working behind the scenes a much better work environment, and will also improve operational efficiency,” project manager Greg Emms said.
“This is an important investment in resilience. Queenstown Airport is an essential community asset, and we need to ensure our critical infrastructure is robust.”
The airport will also invest NZ$10 million into the final two stages of a seismic strengthening program for increased earthquake resilience.
According to Todd Grace, chief operating officer, the project includes “a combination of structural steelwork, bracing, micropiling, and the reinforcement of columns”, and has already begun in the baggage hall, with contractors to move into the check-in area and then the centre of the terminal.
“This seismic strengthening project underscores Queenstown Airport’s commitment to the safety of our passengers, staff, and wider community,” Grace said of the works, which are expected to take around 17 months.
“It is also an important part of our efforts to enhance the airport’s infrastructure and our preparedness for a natural disaster.”
The terminal and seismic strengthening works follow the recent installation at Queenstown of Australasia’s first engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), designed to safely stop aircraft that overshoot the runway.
The 22-week project, announced last July, saw 4,870 EMAS blocks installed at Queenstown, increasing its effective runway end safety area from 90 to 240 metres.
Made of energy-absorbing cellular cement blocks, EMAS beds are designed to slow aircraft that overshoot the end of a runway by crushing under their weight, bringing them to a controlled stop while causing as little damage as possible.
Queenstown Airport is served by numerous trans-Tasman routes operated by Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Air New Zealand.
