Airports Day 2025 - Going For Growth

Airport and local government leaders from across New Zealand are gathering in Wellington today for Airports Day, with a clear focus on improving connectivity, unlocking infrastructure investment, and building a stronger, more competitive aviation system.

Hosted by NZ Airports, the event marks the launch of a new strategy for the association.

“Our strategy is grounded in one goal: to provide better services for New Zealand communities,” says Chief Executive Billie Moore.

“That means a healthy, competitive airline market. It means airports investing confidently in infrastructure. And it means smarter rules, fewer funding gaps, and regulation that actually delivers for the travelling public.”

The strategy sets out three key priorities:

• Airports as national economic engines, enabled by sustainable funding and fit-for-purpose regulation.
• A seamless, integrated aviation network, with smarter rules and joined-up systems across government and industry.
• A stronger, more competitive airline market, offering better service, more choice, and stronger regional connections.

“Bringing together airports and local government for our discussions today reflects the vital role airports play as critical community assets – supporting economic growth, social connection, and emergency response across the country.”

Airports Day also sees the release of a major new aviation infrastructure report, developed by WSP with the support of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. The report offers the most comprehensive snapshot to date of the state of New Zealand’s airport infrastructure, identifying both the gaps that threaten future growth and the investment opportunities that new technologies – such as electric aircraft – are set to unlock.

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“The report underscores the need to stabilise and recover the aviation system through regional airline support and international airline attraction, laying the foundation for stronger growth and new opportunities ahead.

“These opportunities include new route development; greater non-aeronautical investment in commercial, tourism, and technology precincts; onsite renewable energy production; and infrastructure to support emerging technologies like eVTOL aircraft.

“Our discussions at Airports Day focus on helping communities make the most of their airports and the opportunities they create.”

Notes:

· Information on the NZ Airports strategy is available on the association’s website: www.nzairports.co.nz

· The report New Zealand Airports: Future Infrastructure Requirements is available here: https://nzairports.co.nz/resources/new-zealand-airports-future-infrastructure-requirements-2025/

· The report provides an overview of New Zealand’s airport network, domestic aviation market, aircraft fuel technologies, the future development of the New Zealand aviation industry, and possible investment opportunities that could support New Zealand’s economic growth.

· The report was commissioned to support long term strategy for the airport network as well as providing background insight for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise when considering the context and potential opportunities for Invest NZ’s aviation and aerospace investment pipeline.

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