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An independent review of Wānaka Airport recommends maintaining its role as a general aviation facility while allowing limited regional air services, reflecting community concerns about tourism growth and infrastructure pressure.
The review, undertaken by aviation consultants Egis, identifies a preferred scenario that would enable scheduled turboprop services of up to 30 seats, alongside continued support for emergency, medical and general aviation activity.
The findings will be considered by Queenstown Lakes District Council at its meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
QLDC strategic projects manager Paul Speedy says the preferred option reflects a balance between community expectations and future use of the airport.
“The review highlighted significant opportunities to improve the facility’s ability to respond to emergencies, support emerging low-emission aviation, and unlock new community and economic benefits,” Paul says.
Community signals caution on tourism growth
Feedback from more than 1,100 participants showed strong support for a low-impact, community-focused airport, with limited expansion.
Paul says the preferred scenario responds to concerns about environmental and amenity impacts, as well as pressure from increased visitor numbers.
“Feedback showed a clear preference for an airport that supports local needs, while boosting its role in emergency response and resilience,” he says.
The review found limited support for larger domestic aircraft, international flights or major expansion, with concerns centred on tourism pressure, infrastructure requirements and airspace impacts.
Role in regional connectivity
Under the preferred scenario, Wānaka Airport would retain its current character while enabling modest regional connectivity through smaller aircraft.
The approach reflects broader discussions across the region about how to balance tourism growth with infrastructure capacity and community expectations.
Opportunities to support aviation training and local aviation businesses were also identified, without requiring significant infrastructure expansion.
Next steps
If adopted, council officers will begin work on a revised Wānaka Airport master plan, with further community consultation expected.
The review was commissioned in 2024 in response to strong public interest in the airport’s long-term future, upcoming Civil Aviation Authority requirements, and the need for updated planning.
