Regional airports seek $32 million to avert funding crisisMytchall Bransgrove Timaru's Richard Pearse Airport is one of 12 regional airports identified as needing ratepayer help for essential upkeep. The NZ Airports Association claims up to 12 smaller airports face a funding crisis and it is challenging the Government to step up with $32m to ensure their survival. Air links from regional airports were as important as state highways in promoting economic growth and employment, and for disaster response work, he said. Billions of dollars are spent on road and rail links, but regional airports also deserve more funding, according to NZ Airports Association chief executive Kevin Ward. The NZAA report pointed out that airport subsidies for isolated communities were common overseas with every other OECD country funding regional air transport.

Source: Stuff July 25, 2017 04:18 UTC