Queenstown Airport Master Plan approved by Directors

A Master Plan to guide the development of Queenstown Airport over the coming decades has been finalised

The plan was approved by the Queenstown Airport board of directors yesterday (7 December 2023), on the back of endorsement by the shareholders, the Queenstown Lakes District Council and Auckland International Airport Ltd, last month. 
 
Consultation on a draft version of the Master Plan began in May and involved an extensive community engagement programme, as well as a series of meetings and workshops with airport stakeholders.

“A great deal of work and analysis has gone into incorporating the feedback received and finalising our Master Plan,” Queenstown Airport Chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said.

“We’d like to thank those who engaged with the consultation process and took the time to respond to our proposals.”

Chief Executive Glen Sowry said the high level of interest shows how important Queenstown Airport is to the Southern Lakes region. 

“We are committed to developing an innovative airport that people love to travel through, and that serves our communities well, far into the future.”  

The plan focuses on the infrastructure needed in the coming decade, while making provision for the decarbonisation of aviation and other infrastructure that will be needed beyond 2032.

Before individual projects begin, detailed precinct planning will be undertaken to test the assumptions made in the master planning process and ensure each precinct is technically, operationally and financially feasible. It will also help establish the staging of the airport development.

“As we progress to design and programme implementation, the QAC Board will review and approve detailed timing and prioritise the roll-out of projects,” Mrs Young-Cooper said. 

“This is an exciting stage for Queenstown Airport as we create an airport that reflects the best of our region and preserves its unique and special character.”