Resilience boost ‘great news’ for aviation

Hamilton Airport says a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is great news for New Zealand’s entire aviation network.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund loan was announced today by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. It will be used to extend the Hamilton runway and apron space so a wider range of aircraft, including wide-body jets such as B787s or A330s can land and depart from Hamilton.

It means during adverse events or emergencies, Hamilton could play a key role in reducing disruption and keeping people and goods moving.

Hamilton Airport will contribute $3.3m to the $9.8m project which will be managed by the airport company and tendered via a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

The work will see the runway extended by up to 255 meters, the terminal apron and taxiway expanded and movement of the approach lighting. Physical work on the project is likely to start towards the end of 2026 and take 12 months to complete. There will be no impact on flight operations, including international passengers already landing daily in Hamilton from Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the airport initiated resilience discussions with the government more than 10 years ago but without success. It has been working with Kānoa – the government’s regional economic development and investment unit – on a formal resilience proposal since July 2024.

“Over the last 18 months, Minsters representing the coalition government have been very receptive to discussions around a more resilient national aviation network, and the role Hamilton could play. We think it’s a smart move and a very sensible investment with national benefit.”

The work will also enable any further extension of the runway, should it be needed in the future to offer options for scheduled long-haul flights.

In its six-month report (1 July 2025 – 31 December 2025) Hamilton Airport reported passenger numbers are up 39 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Currently, more than half a million passengers use the airport on an annual basis.