The future direction of the airport was decided at a Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting this week. Councillors unanimously voted to retain the airport’s focus on general aviation while enabling small scheduled flights to Christchurch and potentially Wellington. Egis’s consultation found a strong preference for a "general aviation airport" supported by limited turboprop services (less than 30-seat aircraft) to nearby cities. Then, in 2025, Sounds Air ended its services to the airport, leaving Wānaka with no scheduled regional services, intensifying community interest in the airport’s future. With that future now decided, the council has directed officers to report back with options for implementing a new airport master plan to deliver the scenario chosen by councillors.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 20, 2026 16:03 UTC