Hamilton Runway Extension Approved
Approval has been given to extend Hamilton International Airport’s runway to just short of 3000m at any time over the next 15 years. New approvals and recommendations allow for an extended runway, taxiways, extended apron, associated air noise boundary changes and include land designations at both ends of the runway for the protection of runway lights and navigation aids to allow the implementation of instrument landing system high intensity lighting.
In time, Hamilton airport’s vision is to become a low-cost secondary airport gateway into New Zealand. Chief executive Chris Doak described the approvals as long-term goals. He said Hamilton Airport’s competitive advantage now is
that it has the ability to extend the runway for long haul international connection for the central North Island.
“There are clear parallels to the secondary airport models developed in other parts of the world including Gold Coast, Avalon, and Stansted airport in the UK,” says Mr Doak. “Gold Coast’s approach to the Queensland market is particularly relevant given they have established a business case for secondary connection directly with Asia, even given their proximity to Brisbane airport just one hour up the road. It is clear that airlines require different airport sizes and locations to meet their needs. We believe Hamilton will be able to offer an airport that is very attractive to many international carriers in the future with an extended runway,” says Mr Doak.
“These are long term goals and this is not going to happen tomorrow. There is still significant activity required to complete the business case and capital funding models. Approvals will allow the airport to begin to identify suitable partners to help make this project successful. It represents a major milestone in the airport’s history of development,” he says.
