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New Zealand’s international aviation resilience will be strengthened by a decision to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available 24 hours a day as an alternate runway for widebody aircraft, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
The Government has approved funding for Airways New Zealand to provide round-the-clock air traffic control services at Ohakea, resolving a long-standing limitation for airlines operating to Auckland and Christchurch.
“Under aviation safety rules, commercial flights must nominate an alternate runway in case their destination airport is closed due to weather or another event,” says Meager.
“Currently, Ohakea can’t be used as an alternate airport overnight when flights need to divert due to the lack of air traffic control services. Our investment in round-the-clock air traffic control will mean an alternate landing option for large international aircraft unable to land at Auckland or Christchurch.”
Meager says improved access to Ohakea will support airline economics.
“This increases the commercial viability of flying to New Zealand for major airlines. Aircraft can carry less fuel and operate these routes with full passenger and freight loads. This directly benefits tourism operators, exporters and regional economies.”
The decision completes a key action in the Aviation Action Plan launched in September last year, which outlines 25 initiatives aimed at growing and future-proofing the aviation sector.
Ten actions have been progressed since launch, including work on aviation workforce challenges, regulatory changes to enable advanced aviation, voluntary participation in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, and collaboration with Australia on sustainable aviation fuel.
The Government is also supporting vulnerable regional routes through loan funding and investment in interlining arrangements to improve connectivity.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Aviation Council’s leadership of these initiatives. This progress has only been possible because of the continued commitment from government and industry to work together,” says Meager.
“With these practical solutions, we’re reducing barriers and costs for airlines and signalling that New Zealand is open for business to international trade and tourism while strengthening resilience and supporting long-term growth.”
