Queenstown Lakes District Council’s recommendations for Wānaka Airport includes a focus on general aviation with some regional flights. An independent review of the airport recommends a preferred scenario and options for next steps.
Queenstown Lakes District Council strategic projects manager Paul Speedy says global aviation consultants Egis determined a preferred community outcome which would see Wānaka Airport continue to support aviation activity and emergency and medical services, while enabling limited scheduled turbo prop services using aircraft of up to 30 seats.
“These opportunities… showed a clear preference for a low-impact, community-oriented airport that supports local needs, while boosting the airport’s role in emergency response and resilience,” he says.
Opportunities to support local aviation businesses and training were also widely supported. Larger domestic aircraft movements, international flights or an airport closure were all opposed potential scenarios.
