Big Investment Secures Whanganui Airport’s Future
Whanganui Airport (NZWU) is about to take a big leap forward in safety, efficiency, and capacity thanks to a significant $3.35 million investment from the New Zealand Government. The funding will complete the construction of a fully sealed parallel taxiway – a long-awaited development that promises to make flying in and out of Whanganui safer, faster, and more reliable.
For years, aircraft at the airport have often had to backtrack along the active runway before take-off or after landing. While manageable, this procedure has long been recognised as a safety concern, particularly at busy times. The new taxiway will remove this risk entirely by giving planes a dedicated route to and from the runway. The result? Reduced risk of collisions, less congestion, and a smoother experience for both pilots and passengers.
The upgrade also comes with a major operational bonus – the new sealed taxiway will provide an all-weather alternative to the current grass taxiways, making the airport more resilient and less dependent on weather conditions.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the decision is not just about safety – it’s also about smart timing and smart spending.
“By moving ahead now and keeping the existing construction contractors on site to complete the second stage of improvements, we can potentially save local ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he explains.
The $3.35 million contribution represents half of the $6.7 million total cost, with the remaining funding provided by the Whanganui District Council. This collaborative funding model reflects the airport’s importance not just locally, but also at a national level.
Minister Meager was quick to acknowledge the role of local Whanganui MP Carl Bates, who has been instrumental in getting the project over the line.
“Carl brought this issue to my attention several months ago and has worked tirelessly with the Government, Council, and local operators to find a solution that supports the ongoing growth of Whanganui,” says Mr Meager.
Whanganui Airport is more than just a convenient travel hub. It plays a critical role in the region’s infrastructure, supporting essential services such as medical flights and acting as home to the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) – the country’s largest international flight training school.
NZICPA recently resumed training operations and continues to attract aspiring pilots from across New Zealand and overseas, providing a steady pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the growing demand for commercial pilots worldwide.
Minister Meager says that regional airports like Whanganui are key to New Zealand’s economic wellbeing:
“Aviation underpins our domestic economy. It connects communities, supports tourism, enables trade, and opens up economic opportunities. By investing in this taxiway, we’re making it easier for aviators to operate in New Zealand while boosting regional growth.”
Once complete, the new taxiway will position Whanganui Airport for the future – making it safer, more efficient, and better equipped to meet the needs of the region’s residents, visitors, and businesses for decades to come.
Original: Investing in Whanganui Airport’s future
