Summary Queenstown Airport has a rich expansion history, evolving from a small airstrip to a bustling international airport, connecting the remote region to the world.
Significant moments in its history include the introduction of regional airlines in the 1950s, extending the airport in 1964 to accommodate larger aircraft, and constructing a new terminal building in 1974.
The airport has continued to expand and improve over the years, with milestones such as welcoming international flights in 1995, undergoing a significant upgrade in 2007, and implementing advanced navigational technology in 2012.
Queenstown Airport, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s Queenstown Lakes district, has a history rich with significant moments that have shaped its growth and transformation.
Amid continued growth, Queenstown Airport has a long history of expansion. From its humble beginnings as a small airstrip to becoming one of the country’s busiest international airports, Queenstown Airport has played a crucial role in connecting the relatively remote region to the rest of the world. Let’s explore ten defining moments in the airport’s history that have contributed to its success and impact on the local community.
1 1935 – An airport is born
Queenstown Airport’s journey began when it was granted its license to operate by the Civil Aviation Authority in August 1935. The community-backed initiative aimed to bring air connectivity to the region, even though it was just a modest airstrip on the Frankton Flats back then.
2 1950s – Pioneering regional airlines
During the 1950s, commercial flights to and from Queenstown Airport experienced a surge. Regional airlines such as Southern Scenic Air Services, Ritchie Air Services, West Coast Airways, Tourist Air Travel, and Mount Cook Airlines launched scheduled services, scenic flights, floatplane operations, and various other services. Dominies emerged as the favored aircraft for scenic, scheduled, and charter activities during this era.
After obtaining a license, Mount Cook Airlines successfully introduced its DC-3 aircraft to operate flights into Queenstown, leading to the extension of the Frankton Aerodrome to accommodate these larger planes.
This expansion involved the inauguration of the first terminal building and the elongation of the grass runway to a length of 1500 meters. On February 3rd, 1964, the inaugural flight took off, carrying approximately 30 passengers and a crew of 2 from Christchurch.
4 1974 – New terminal building
The early 1970s marked a significant moment for Queenstown Airport when construction began on a new terminal building.
Completed in 1974, this modern facility became the gateway to the region, welcoming travelers worldwide and establishing Queenstown as a prominent tourist destination.
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5 1995 – Welcoming international flights
In July 1995, Queenstown Airport welcomed its first international arrival, an Air New Zealand flight from Sydney, Australia.
This milestone not only strengthened ties between the two countries but also opened the region to a broader international audience.
6 2007 – A year of expansions
The terminal building underwent a significant expansion as part of a $33 million upgrade. Concurrently, the aircraft apron stand area expanded to 10,000 square meters, new fire appliances were acquired, and a modern fire station building was erected.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the car park was expanded, and border and security controls were enhanced. Additionally, navigation systems received upgrades to minimize flight disruption and ensure smoother operations.
7 2012 – Improved navigational capabilities
The implementation of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Required Navigation Performance-Authorisation Required (RNP AR) technology by Airways (Air Traffic Control) brought about remarkable improvements at the airport. These advancements significantly enhanced the dependability of jet services, expanded airspace capacity, and boosted operational efficiency.
8 2015 – Expanding the international terminal
As visitor numbers continued to soar, Queenstown Airport invested in its future by opening a $17 million international terminal expansion in July 2015. This modern and spacious terminal could accommodate the growing number of international travelers seeking adventure in the region.
9 2016 – After dark flights
A historic moment for Queenstown Airport and New Zealand aviation occurred in 2016 when the airport successfully operated its first domestic after-dark flight from Auckland, followed by the first international after-dark flight from Melbourne.
10 2020 – Navigating challenges during the pandemic
Queenstown Airport celebrated its 85th birthday in 2020 amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, the airport demonstrated resilience by completing planned runway maintenance works during the lockdown. Limited aircraft movements allowed the airport to finish the job under budget and in a shorter timeframe than anticipated.
What other important moments in Queenstown Airport’s history are worth mentioning? Let us know in the comments below.