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Nelson Airport has completed a $10 million project to reconstruct and expand its apron and upgrade airfield stormwater infrastructure, improving safety, efficiency and resilience.
The apron rebuild included resurfacing works that began in November 2024, with 22,000 square metres of asphalt laid, including a 6,600 square metre expansion. The project also replaced an ageing concrete stormwater drain with a larger system designed to increase the airport’s resilience to heavy rain events.
Nelson Airport chief executive Brendan Cook says the project provided an opportunity to improve both airline operations and the passenger experience.
“The old apron had reached the end of its life, so this was an opportunity to redesign the space to improve safety and efficiency,” says Brendan.
“The new aircraft stand layout streamlines access to the terminal for all aircraft. To further improve the experience for customers, we’ll be extending the covered walkway in early 2026 to provide weather and sound protection for passengers boarding and disembarking at the southern end of the apron.”
Nelson Airport is planning to invest a further $2.3 million in early 2026 to extend the covered walkway from the terminal, providing all-weather protection regardless of airline or aircraft position.
Brendan says the project was completed on budget and carefully managed to minimise disruption to airline operations, with construction delivered by contractor Fulton Hogan.
“Fulton Hogan and the wider project team have done a great job in a highly complex operating environment. We’re also grateful to our airfield operators for working closely with us throughout the construction period,” he says.
Nelson mayor Nick Smith welcomed the completion of the project and the airport’s continued investment in infrastructure.
“The successful completion of this $10 million project is a significant milestone for Nelson Airport, expanding aircraft parking space and improving resilience to storm events,” says Nick.
“The planned extension of the covered walkway in early 2026 will further improve the passenger experience and is particularly important for smaller airlines such as Originair and Sounds Air.”
The Airport Perimeter Walkway, which was partially closed during construction to enable safe vehicle access, will reopen to the public on Saturday, December 20. The 5km coastal walkway has received a series of improvements, including new seating and signage, with excavated material from the apron project reused to improve boggier sections of the track.
Around 8,000 cubic metres of excavated material was reused or recycled, diverting material from landfill.
“The perimeter walkway is highly valued by the community, so we’re pleased to reopen it in improved condition,” says Brendan.
The P180 Airport Perimeter Carpark, located prior to the airport entry barriers, will also reopen by Saturday for walkway users.
Like other recent capital projects at Nelson Airport, including the terminal development completed in 2019, the apron reconstruction was fully funded by the airport company.
