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A $10 million project to reconstruct and expand Nelson Airport’s apron, along with upgrades to airfield stormwater infrastructure, has been completed, improving safety, efficiency and resilience.
The airport plans to invest a further $2.3 million in early 2026 to extend the covered walkway from the terminal, providing all-weather protection for passengers boarding and disembarking aircraft at the southern end of the apron.
The apron — where aircraft park and passengers board and disembark — had reached the end of its life and required a full rebuild. Work began in November 2024, with 22,000 square metres of asphalt laid, including a 6,600 square metre expansion of the existing apron.
An ageing concrete stormwater drain was also replaced with a larger system to improve the airport’s resilience to heavy rain events.
Nelson Airport chief executive Brendan Cook says the project created an opportunity to redesign the apron to improve safety and efficiency for airlines, while also enhancing the passenger experience.
“The new aircraft stand design has streamlined access to the terminal for all aircraft,” Cook says.
“We’ll be extending the covered walkway in early 2026 to provide high-quality sound and weather protection for all passengers moving between the terminal and their aircraft, regardless of airline or parking position.”
Cook says the project was delivered on budget and to a high standard, with contractor Fulton Hogan and the wider project team working carefully to minimise disruption to airline operations.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the completion of the project is a significant milestone for the airport.
“The $10 million upgrade expands apron space for aircraft and improves the airport’s resilience to storm events,” Smith says.
He also welcomed plans to extend the covered walkway in early 2026, noting its importance for smaller airlines such as Originair and Sounds Air.
The Airport Perimeter Walkway, which was partially closed during construction to allow safe truck movements, will reopen to the public on Saturday, 20 December. The 5km coastal track has received a facelift, with excavated material reused to level boggier sections, along with new signage and seating.
Around 8,000 cubic metres of material from the apron works was reused or recycled, diverting it from landfill.
“The perimeter walkway is highly valued by the community, so we’re pleased to reopen it in even better condition,” Cook says.
The P180 Airport Perimeter Carpark, located before the airport entry barriers, will also reopen by Saturday for walkway users.
Like other major capital projects at Nelson Airport, including the new terminal development in 2019, the apron reconstruction was fully funded by the airport company.
