Wellington Airport

File:Mount Victoria, Wellington Airport (20240207b) (53532738289).jpg]]

File:View looking north of Wellington Airport.jpg

Wellington Aero Club formed in 1928 and asked Wellington City Council to set aside land for an airport. In October 1928, the Council agreed to the proposal and allocated reserve land at Lyall Bay for the purpose.{{Cite news |date=12 October 1928 |title=Civic airport |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19281012.2.85 |work=The Dominion |via=Papers Past}} Up to 150 labourers levelled the sand dunes and laid down a surface of broken rock and clay to stop the sand blowing away. This was then sown with grass.{{Cite news |date=30 January 1929 |title=Airport shaping |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19290130.2.96 |work=Evening Post |via=Papers Past}} The official opening of the airport took place on 16 November 1929 with flying displays by 15 aeroplanes doing "crazy flying", "bombing" and races.{{Cite news |date=16 November 1929 |title=Spectacular air pageant today |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19291116.2.6.6 |work=The Dominion |via=Papers Past}}

The runway, which ran in a northwest to southeast alignment to match prevailing winds in the area, was extended in 1933.{{Cite news |date=4 February 1933 |title=City airport: Runway at Rongotai being extended. |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19330204.2.59 |work=The Dominion |via=Papers Past}} The first timetabled commercial flights into Rongotai Airport took place on 30 December 1935, when two de Havilland Express biplane airliners of Cook Strait Airways with paying passengers flew in from Nelson and Blenheim.{{Cite news |date=31 December 1935 |title=Services inaugurated |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19351231.2.91 |work=Taranaki Daily News |via=Papers Past}}{{Cite web |title=Wellington Airport : official souvenir brochure |url=https://wellington.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/4452 |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Wellington City Libraries |language=en}}{{Rp|page=15}}

During this period, concerns about safety were raised. Early aviator Charles Kingsford Smith flew into Wellington and was said to be "perturbed" about conditions at Rongotai, where wind swirled around and the hills were very close. Along with others, he believed that Gear Island at the mouth of the Hutt River in Petone would be a better site for a commercial airport.{{Cite news |date=10 August 1933 |title=Schedule flying |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19330810.2.100 |work=Evening Post |via=Papers Past}}{{Cite news |date=31 January 1934 |title=Rongotai examined |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19340131.2.52 |work=The Dominion |via=Papers Past}} A scale model of the landscape around the airport was made and tested in a wind tunnel,{{Cite news |date=10 July 1935 |title=Rongotai model |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19350710.2.96 |work=Evening Post |via=Papers Past}} and, starting in 1936, the height of Moa Point Hill at the eastern end of Lyall Bay was lowered to improve the approach to the runway.{{Cite news |date=5 September 1936 |title=Constructional work at Rongotai Aerodrome |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD19360905.2.157.8 |work=Timaru Herald |via=Papers Past}} In 1937 a government committee investigated possibilities for improving the airport, but its suggestion that a runway be constructed from north to south across the isthmus from Evans Bay to Lyall Bay, which would have entailed removal of Rongotai College and demolition or removal of up to 150 houses, was deemed unpalatable. The runway was extended and other improvements made, but the 1937 committee had warned that the airport was not safe, and finally on 27 September 1947 the airport closed and almost all commercial flights were moved to Paraparaumu Airport, {{convert|35|mi|km}} north of Wellington.{{Rp|page=|pages=17-20}}

Paraparaumu Airport soon became the country's busiest airport,{{Cite news |date=4 February 1948 |title=Out and about: Fire tender useless |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BOPT19480204.2.8 |work=Bay of Plenty Times |via=Papers Past}}{{Cite news |date=4 August 1951 |title=General news: Harewood third civil airport |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19510804.2.71 |work=The Press |via=Papers Past}} but it was deemed unsuitable for large aircraft due to adverse terrain.{{cite web |title=Off to a flying start with Wellington Airport |date=16 September 2020 |url=https://wellington.govt.nz/wellington-city/about-wellington-city/history/throwbackthursday/the-airport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223051258/https://wellington.govt.nz/wellington-city/about-wellington-city/history/throwbackthursday/the-airport |archive-date=23 February 2021 |publisher=Wellington City Council}} Between 1950 and 1954, TEAL (the forerunner of Air New Zealand) also operated flying boats to Australia from a base in Evans Bay.{{Cite news |date=11 Oct 1950 |title=Value of Service: Trans-Tasman Air Base at Wellington |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19501011.2.48 |access-date=22 Jul 2021 |work=Otago Daily Times |via=Papers Past}}

Rongotai was still used for a frequent service to Blenheim and Nelson in 14-seater de Havilland Herons. Wellington Aero Club continued to operate from Rongotai, and the airport was also used occasionally by Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft as well as ambulance aircraft transporting patients to Wellington Hospital. The Aircraft Engineering Company had a flying school with three aeroplanes based at the airport, and the de Havilland Aircraft Company had an aircraft maintenance facility.{{Cite web |last=Borgeson |first=Melvin B |date=1956 |title=A Functional Plan of Rongotai Aerodrome |url=https://wellington.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/9253 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Wellington City Libraries |language=en}}

With the closure of Rongotai Airport, the government had invited a British commission to report on New Zealand airports. The Tymms Report produced in 1948 recommended that the isthmus at Rongotai was still the best site for an airport in Wellington, and Wellington City Council and the Chamber of Commerce also lobbied for the airport to be retained there.{{Rp|pages=20-21}} After several options for development were considered, Wellington City Council agreed to the Rongotai Terrace scheme in February 1951.{{Rp|page=25}} This scheme saved Rongotai College and provided for a north-south runway. A major part of the scheme involved the complete removal of Rongotai Hill. Construction of the airport began in 1953, with the six-year project costing £5 million ({{Inflation|NZ|5000000*2|1953|fmt=eq|r=-5}}). Spoil from Rongotai Hill was used to reclaim land in Evans Bay and Lyall Bay. About 180 houses at Rongotai Terrace and Wexford Road on the hill were demolished or relocated to the newly reclaimed land at Evans Bay.{{cite web |author=Tom Hunt |date=2 November 2013 |title=Moving a hill to make way for an airport |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/9354579/Moving-a-hill-to-make-way-for-an-airport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135405/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/9354579/Moving-a-hill-to-make-way-for-an-airport |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=6 November 2013 |publisher=Fairfax NZ}}{{cite web |title=Interview with Robin Bruce |url=http://ead.natlib.govt.nz/kilbirnie/OHInt-0403-5.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014081116/http://ead.natlib.govt.nz/kilbirnie/OHInt-0403-5.html |archive-date=14 October 2008 |access-date=6 January 2009 |publisher=Alexander Turnbull Library}} A pedestrian tunnel from Coutts Street to Miramar was built under the new runway.

The current airport was officially reopened on 25 October 1959. The original length of the runway was {{convert|1630|m|ft}},Wellington City Airport – Wellington City Council Official Brochure and Programme, 1959. and it was extended to {{convert|1936|m|ft}} in the early 1970s, to handle Douglas DC-8s.

In 1991, the airport released plans to widen the taxiway to CAA Code D & E specifications{{cite web|url=http://www.caa.govt.nz/fulltext/acs/ac139-6a.pdf|title=AC139-06a|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016173138/http://www.caa.govt.nz/fulltext/acs/ac139-6a.pdf|archive-date=16 October 2006}} and acquire extra space, which were abandoned after protests from local residents. The plan involved the removal of the nearby Miramar Golf Course and a large number of residential and commercial properties.[http://www.vuw.ac.nz/sog/staff/rob-laking/The%20sale%20of%20Wellington%20Airport%20_version%20of%20May%202006_.pdf Page Not Found | Victoria University of Wellington]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Airport purchased land from the Miramar Golf Course in 1994 for car park space.

As recently as 1992, several alternate sites for Wellington Airport were considered – Te Horo, Paraparaumu, Mana Island, Ohariu Valley, Horokiwi, Wairarapa and PencarrowO'Connor, Juliet. "Birth of an airport". Evening Post, 14 June 1999, p5. – but a decision was made to upgrade the existing site at Rongotai. A major new domestic terminal was completed in 1999 and integrated with the international terminal, which had been built in 1977. A 90 m safety zone at the south end of the runway was constructed during 2006 in order to comply with ICAO safety regulations, while a similar zone was also put in place at the runway's north end.{{cite web|title=Runway safety plans bring Wellington Airport in line with new international standards|url=http://wellingtonairport.co.nz/html/business/news.php#20061012|date=12 October 2006|work=Wellington International Airport |access-date=5 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927121350/http://wellingtonairport.co.nz/html/business/news.php#20061012|archive-date=27 September 2007}}

In April 2006, Air New Zealand and Qantas announced that they proposed to enter into a codeshare agreement, arguing that it would be necessary in order to reduce empty seats and financial losses on trans-Tasman routes. The airport counter-argued that the codeshare would stifle competition and passenger growth on Wellington's international flights, pointing to what it saw as a market duopoly dominated by Air New Zealand and Qantas.{{cite web|title=Alert – number 2|url=http://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/extras/pdf/alert_no_2%20_%205_may_06.pdf |date=5 May 2006|work=Wellington International Airport|access-date=5 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061008071304/http://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/extras/pdf/alert_no_2%20_%205_may_06.pdf|archive-date=8 October 2006}} The codeshare was abandoned by the two airlines after it was rejected in a draft ruling by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission in November 2006.{{cite web|title=ACCC proposes to deny Qantas / Air New Zealand Tasman Agreement|url=http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/769527|date=3 November 2006|work=Australian Competition & Consumer Commission|access-date=5 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409183253/http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/769527|archive-date=9 April 2012|url-status=live}}

Fiji Airways began serving Wellington from Nadi on 25 June 2015.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fijiairways.com/about-fiji-airways/2014-media-centre/fiji-airways-expands-network-with-new-wellington-%E2%80%93-nadi-route/ |title=Fiji Airways Expands Network with New Wellington – Nadi Route |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319124444/http://www.fijiairways.com/about-fiji-airways/2014-media-centre/fiji-airways-expands-network-with-new-wellington-%E2%80%93-nadi-route/ |archive-date=19 March 2015 |url-status=dead}} Australian airline Jetstar launched its first international service in December 2014 from Wellington to the Gold Coast.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11321289|title=Jetstar launches first Wellington international route|date=9 September 2014|via=www.nzherald.co.nz|access-date=19 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117040127/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11321289|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}}

On 21 September 2016 Singapore Airlines began direct flights between Singapore and Wellington via Australia's capital city Canberra.Flynn, David (20 January 2016). [http://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-to-launch-international-flights-from-canberra-airport "Singapore Airlines to launch Singapore-Canberra-Wellington flights"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123014103/http://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-to-launch-international-flights-from-canberra-airport |date=23 January 2016 }}. Australian Business Traveller. Retrieved 20 January 2016. It was Wellington's first direct flight to a destination outside Australia and the Pacific Islands. From April 2018, the Singapore Airlines flight began transiting via Melbourne rather than Canberra.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/100839185/capital-express-ended-with-singapore-now-linking-wellington-to-melbourne|title=Capital Express ended, with Singapore Airlines now linking Wellington to Melbourne|last=Rutherford|first=Hamish|date=24 January 2018|publisher=Stuff |access-date=26 January 2018|location=Wellington|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126125603/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/100839185/capital-express-ended-with-singapore-now-linking-wellington-to-melbourne|archive-date=26 January 2018|url-status=live}} The flights were terminated in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak.{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/122763023/singapore-airlines-ditches-wellington-flights-for-foreseeable-future | title=Singapore Airlines ditches Wellington flights for foreseeable future |author=Melanie Carroll |date=2020-09-14 |publisher=Stuff }}

Execujet (in conjunction with Capital Jet services) operates a FBO and hangar facility for corporate jets and visiting general aviation aircraft on the western apron. Other notable operators on the western apron include Life Flight, the RNZAF and the Wellington Aero Club.

Beginning in 2002, the airport built a bulk retail centre on land it owned to the west of the airport.{{cite news |last= Love |first =Phil |date=28 May 2002 |title= Mega-centre for Lyall Bay |work= Evening Post | id={{ProQuest|314812292}}}}{{cite news |last=Patterson |first=Colin |date=26 August 2006 |title= Airport retail booming |work= Dominion Post | id={{ProQuest|338251495}}}} Between 2009 and 2019 the airport issued various plans outlining upgrades over the next 20 years, including expanded terminal and apron space, runway extensions, terminal extensions, new freight facilities and a relocated fire station.{{cite web |title=Wellington Airport Masterplan January 2010 |url=http://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/yk-files/8286232060e54cebb246146a9d22f2d4/Wellington-Airport-Masterplan-January-2010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209213129/http://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/yk-files/8286232060e54cebb246146a9d22f2d4/Wellington-Airport-Masterplan-January-2010.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2013 |access-date=17 March 2013}}{{cite web |date=10 April 2013 |title=Airport unveils $40m terminal plans |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/commercial-property/8532193/Airport-unveils-40m-terminal-plans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135301/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/commercial-property/8532193/Airport-unveils-40m-terminal-plans |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=7 June 2015 |work=Stuff }}{{cite web |date=5 April 2014 |title=Airport gives expansion details |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/9908647/Airport-gives-expansion-details |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135250/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/9908647/Airport-gives-expansion-details |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=7 June 2015 |work=Stuff }}{{cite news |author=Damian George |date=22 October 2019 |title=Wellington Airport reveals $1 billion-plus development plans in 2040 master plan |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116736385/wellington-airport-reveals-1-billionplus-development-plans-in-2040-master-plan |publisher=Stuff.co.nz}} In 2018, a nine-storey car park with more than 1,000 parking spaces was opened,{{cite web|title=Wellington Airport Parking Now Open|url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/news/airport-updates/wellington-airports-multi-level-car-park-now-open/|access-date=23 March 2021}} and in 2019 a 134-room hotel opened at the airport, with direct access from the terminal.{{cite web|title=Rydges Wellington Airport Hotel Opens Its Doors|date=13 February 2019|url=https://www.thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2019/02/13/rydges-wellington-airport-hotel-opens-its-doors/1550022184|access-date=23 March 2021}}

File:Wellington Airport control tower.jpg

In 2018, a new air traffic control tower opened next to the airport retail centre. The building was designed by Studio Pacific and Paris Magdalinos Architects.{{Cite web |title=Wellington Airways Control Tower {{!}} Studio Pacific Architecture |url=https://www.studiopacific.co.nz/projects/2018/wellington-airways-control-tower/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=www.studiopacific.co.nz}} The eight-storey building is constructed on a 12.5 degree angle as if leaning into the prevailing northerly wind, and is built to stand up to a 10-metre high tsunami wave.{{Cite news |last=Jolliff |first=Emma |date=23 August 2018 |title=Tilting air traffic control tower a nod to Wellington winds |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/08/wellington-s-new-20m-air-traffic-control-tower-opens.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823053511/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/08/wellington-s-new-20m-air-traffic-control-tower-opens.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 August 2018 |access-date=2024-06-11 |work=Newshub |language=en}} The former control tower at Tirangi Road was then put up for sale by Airways New Zealand, but was found to be unsuitable for redevelopment due to structural issues and asbestos contamination.{{Cite web |last=HIll |first=Ruth |date=15 October 2020 |title=Room with a view: Air control tower for sale in Wellington |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018768539/room-with-a-view-air-control-tower-for-sale-in-wellington |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |last=Wiltshire |first=Laura |date=15 October 2020 |title=Inside the air traffic control tower: Wellington's most unusual building on the market |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/123100337/inside-the-air-traffic-control-tower-wellingtons-most-unusual-building-on-the-market |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Stuff }} Wellington Airport bought the building and it was demolished in 2021.{{Cite web |title=Airways Control Tower makes way for residential housing |url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/news/airport-updates/old-airways-control-tower-makes-way-residential-housing/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=www.wellingtonairport.co.nz |language=en-nz}}

Since 1998 the airport has been two-thirds privately owned by Infratil, with the remaining third owned by Wellington City Council. In late May 2024, Wellington City Council voted in favour of selling its 34% minority stake (worth NZ$278 million) in Wellington Airport, with the proceeds going towards a major disaster investment fund.{{cite news |date=31 May 2024 |title=Wellington set to have NZ's first major privately owned airport |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/31/wellington-set-to-have-nzs-first-major-privately-owned-airport/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531232208/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/31/wellington-set-to-have-nzs-first-major-privately-owned-airport/ |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=1News}} However, the sale was halted in October the same year, after a majority of councillors backed out of the deal.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530399/councillors-backtrack-over-sale-of-wellington-airport-shares |title=Councillors backtrack over sale of Wellington Airport shares |author=Nick James |date=2024-10-10 |publisher=RNZ }}

File:Interior of airport terminal.jpg

File:Giant Gollum sculpture in Wellington Airport.jpg

File:Wellingtonairportdeparea.jpg

File:Wellington Airport's new international gate lounge, 26 Nov. 2010 - Flickr - PhillipC.jpg

Wellington's original domestic terminal was built as a temporary measure inside an existing corrugated iron hangar, originally used to assemble de Havilland aircraft. It was known for being overcrowded, leaky and draughty.

An international terminal was opened in 1977.{{Cite news |date=10 October 1977 |title=P.M. confirms airport extension cost |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19771010.2.60 |work=The Press |via=Papers Past}} An upgrade of the domestic terminal, budgeted at NZ$10 million, was announced in 1981, but by 1983 the plans were shelved after cost projections more than doubled.{{cite web|title=Update|url=http://www.infratil.com/downloads/pdf/update_sep2005.pdf|date=9 September 2005 |work=Infratil|access-date=5 December 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928035655/http://www.infratil.com/downloads/pdf/update_sep2005.pdf |archive-date = 28 September 2007}} The terminal was extensively refurbished in 1987 by Air New Zealand, and Ansett New Zealand built a new terminal as an extension to the international terminal when it commenced competing domestic air services in 1987.

In 1999 a new domestic terminal opened, linked to the international terminal. Designed by architect Jon Craig from Craig Craig Moller, the three-storey terminal has an open-plan retail, refreshment and seating area with a long glass wall overlooking the runway.{{cite news |last= Morrison |first=Tina-Marie | date=16 June 1999 |title= Days of 'tin shed' airport welcome are about to end |work= Dominion |id={{ProQuest|315055566}}}} Five new airbridges were also included in the development.

{{cite news |title= New terminal the centrepiece of airport upgrade | date= 27 January 1998 |work= Evening Post | id= {{ProQuest|314569342}}}} In 2003, the airport installed a large statue of Gollum on the outside of the terminal in order to promote the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.{{cite news | title=Precious time in the capital |date=27 November 2003 |work=Waikato Times |id={{ProQuest|313780027}}}} This Gollum was later removed, and a new sculpture of Gollum catching a fish was installed inside the terminal. In 2013 two one-tonne eagles with wingspans of 15 metres were installed inside the terminal to promote the second film in the Hobbit trilogy. {{cite news | title= Gandalf flies above wellington travellers |date= 2 December 2013 |work= NZ Newswire |id={{ProQuest|1502820657}}}}

On 19 February 2008, Wellington Airport announced the proposed design for a new, expanded international terminal.[https://web.archive.org/web/20081014013041/http://wellingtonairport.co.nz/html/business/popup/TheRock.html Wellington Airport unveils New Zealand’s newest icon "The Rock"]. 19 February 2008 The design, by Studio Pacific Architecture and Warren and Mahoney, was a deliberate departure from traditional airport terminal design. Featuring round structures covered in weathered copper, the design aroused a great deal of controversy and was nicknamed "The Rock".{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/278834 |title=New design for airport terminal 'hideous' |author=Greer McDonald and Nick Churchouse |date=20 February 2008 |work=The Dominion Post |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108223057/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/278834 |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=live }} "The Rock" opened in October 2010.{{cite web|title=The Rock Takes Shape at Wellington Airport|url=http://www.guide2.co.nz/money/news/business/the-rock-takes-shape-at-wellington-airport/11/13876|date=1 February 2010|work=NZPA|access-date=1 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323224547/http://www.guide2.co.nz/money/news/business/the-rock-takes-shape-at-wellington-airport/11/13876|archive-date=23 March 2012|url-status=live}}

File:WIAL south runway 2006-10-14.jpg Boeing 737 landing in 2006, with construction of the south end runway safety area in the foreground]]

Wellington Airport operates a single terminal at the east of the airport, with three piers: south, south-west and north-west. The terminal and piers have a total floor area of {{convert|32300|m2}}. The main terminal building contains a common check-in area on the first floor and a common baggage claim area on the ground floor. Both connect to a retail and refreshment area on the first floor, looking out onto the runway.

The gates in the south pier (Gates 3 to 12) and the gates in the main terminal building (Gates 18 to 20) serve regional aircraft. The gates in the south-west pier (Gates 13 to 17) are predominantly used by Air New Zealand domestic jets, and with the exception of Gate 14, all are jetbridge gates. The gates in the north-west pier (Gates 21 to 29) are used by Jetstar domestic jets and all international flights: when transferred to international use, these gates are referred to as Gates 41 to 49 (e.g. Gate 26 is referred to as Gate 46 when used for an international flight).{{cite web|url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/maps/ |title=Wellington International Airport — Maps|access-date=11 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511085002/https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/maps/|archive-date=11 May 2020}}

Air New Zealand operates three lounges for Koru members: the Regional Lounge on the second floor of the main terminal for members travelling regionally on turboprop aircraft, the Domestic Lounge located after security screening in the south-west pier for members travelling domestically on Air New Zealand jet aircraft, and the International Lounge located after outbound passport control in the north-west pier for members travelling internationally. Qantas also operates a lounge after outbound passport control in the north-west pier; the lounge is available to Qantas Club members departing on international flights.{{cite web|url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/lounges/ |title=Wellington International Airport — Lounges|access-date=11 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511085603/https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/lounges/|archive-date=11 May 2020}}

Wellington Airport has one runway: 16/34. The runway is {{convert|1815|m|abbr=on}} long threshold to threshold; with displaced thresholds at each end, the take-off run available is {{convert|1945|m|abbr=on}} for runway 16 and {{convert|1921|m|abbr=on}} for runway 34.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} The runway is grooved, which improves performance of the runway during wet conditions.{{cite web |date=June 2018 |title=Wellington Airport to become testing ground for new wide-body Airbus aircraft |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/104368887/wellington-airport-to-become-testing-ground-for-new-widebody-airbus-aircraft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704123850/https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/104368887/wellington-airport-to-become-testing-ground-for-new-widebody-airbus-aircraft |archive-date=4 July 2018 |access-date=4 July 2018 |website=Stuff }}

The airport has a night curfew from midnight to 6:00{{Nbsp}}am, although international arrivals are allowed as late as 1:00{{Nbsp}}am and there are numerous conditions and exceptions to the curfew, e.g. air ambulances are not subject to the curfew.{{Cite web |title=Airport noise |url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/noise/air-noise/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=www.wellingtonairport.co.nz |language=en-nz}} In 2011, Qantas subsidiary Jetconnect was fined $12,000 after a delayed flight from Sydney landed at 1:47{{Nbsp}}am.{{Cite web |last=Nichols |first=Lane |date=2011-08-08 |title=Airline's fine for curfew breach 'well deserved' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5410375/Airlines-fine-for-curfew-breach-well-deserved |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

Air Movements Rongotai sits on the opposite side of the Wellington airport runway from the main passenger terminals, its main use being the facilitation of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) flights and flights of overseas military forces. The current building was refurbished in the late 1980s when it housed not only the RNZAF Air movements unit but also 2 MCU (2nd Movements Control Unit) of the New Zealand Army. The role of 2 MCU was the logistic control and movement of defence personal and freight throughout New Zealand and abroad, utilising both civilian and military modes of transport.

{{Airport-dest-list

| Air Chathams | Chatham Islands

| {{nowrap|Air New Zealand}}| Auckland, Blenheim, Brisbane,{{cite web |title=Air New Zealand Trans-Tasman service changes in NW18 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/278019/air-new-zealand-trans-tasman-service-changes-in-nw18/ |access-date=2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721092820/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/278019/air-new-zealand-trans-tasman-service-changes-in-nw18/ |archive-date=21 July 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/04/air-new-zealand-announces-new-trans-tasman-routes.html|title=Air New Zealand announces new Trans-Tasman routes|newspaper=Newshub |access-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409062415/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/04/air-new-zealand-announces-new-trans-tasman-routes.html|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=dead}} Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Hamilton, Melbourne, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Tauranga, Timaru

| Fiji Airways | Nadi{{cite news |first= Hamish |last= McNicol |date= 15 December 2014 |title= New Wellington to Fiji flight announced |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/64160359/New-Wellington-to-Fiji-flight-announced |work= The Dominion Post|access-date= 16 December 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141215133322/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/64160359/New-Wellington-to-Fiji-flight-announced |archive-date= 15 December 2014 |url-status= live }}

| {{nowrap|Golden Bay Air}}|Tākaka{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenbayair.co.nz/takakaflights.html|title=Golden Bay Air – Wellington-Takaka Scheduled Flights|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806184925/http://www.goldenbayair.co.nz/takakaflights.html|archive-date=6 August 2015|url-status=live}}

| Jetstar | Auckland, Christchurch,{{cite web|title=Jetstar drops Wellington-Dunedin flights and ups Queenstown service|date=8 March 2019|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/111124516/jetstar-pulls-out-of-wellingtondunedin-flights|access-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308001337/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/111124516/jetstar-pulls-out-of-wellingtondunedin-flights|archive-date=8 March 2019|url-status=live}} Gold Coast, Queenstown{{cite web|url=http://www.jetstar.com/nz/en/deals/wellington-queenstown?dealsorig=*|title=Route Launch - Jetstar|website=www.jetstar.com}}

| Originair | Nelson,{{cite news |title=Originair adds Nelson-Wellington route |url=https://originair.co.nz/originair-adds-nelson-wellington-route/ |access-date=16 January 2020}} Taupō,{{cite news |title=Small airline swoops in to save regional Wellington service |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360531027/small-airline-swoops-save-regional-wellington-service |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=www.stuff.co.nz}} Westport{{cite news |title=Big changes coming to Wellington-Westport route as new operator steps in |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/350454691/big-changes-coming-wellington-westport-route-new-operator-steps |access-date=19 October 2024 |work=www.stuff.co.nz |publisher=Stuff }}

|Qantas | Brisbane,{{cite news |title=Qantas to upgrade Wellington – Brisbane route with larger aircraft by adding 35,000 seats |url=https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/qantas-to-upgrade-wellington-brisbane-route-with-larger-aircraft-by-adding-35000-seats/|access-date=21 March 2024}} Melbourne, Sydney

| Sounds Air | Blenheim, Nelson, Picton

|

}}

{{Airport-Statistics|iata=WLG}}

The length of the runway has limited the size of aircraft that can use the airport on a commercial basis, and non-stop overseas destinations are limited to southeastern Australia and the South Pacific. Most large jet aircraft can safely use Wellington but the short runway severely limits their range to short-haul flights, and passenger numbers on trans-Tasman routes generally do not justify the use of wide-body aircraft. Air New Zealand has occasionally used wide-body aircraft to cater for high-demand events such as major sports fixtures,Example: {{cite news |title= Gone in 59 seconds! First Canes-Highlanders tickets sell out in record time |publisher= Television New Zealand |date= 29 June 2015 |url= https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/gone-in-59-seconds-first-canes-highlanders-tickets-sell-out-record-time-6349281 |access-date= 6 February 2016 |quote= Air New Zealand will now operate a Boeing 767 service from Dunedin to the capital on Saturday morning providing an extra 230 seats to the game. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160307213936/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/gone-in-59-seconds-first-canes-highlanders-tickets-sell-out-record-time-6349281 |archive-date= 7 March 2016 |url-status= live }} and the airport has seen a number of wide-body movements over the years for heads of state and visiting foreign dignitaries, diversions or special promotional events. Singapore Airlines formerly operated a Wellington-Melbourne-Singapore flight four times per week, using an Airbus A350-900.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/92644365/singapore-airlines-trimming-several-flights-from-capital-express-service|title=Singapore Airlines trimming several flights from capital express service|website=Stuff |date=16 May 2017|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004140322/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/92644365/singapore-airlines-trimming-several-flights-from-capital-express-service|archive-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live}}

A full-length runway extension to accommodate long-haul international flights has been previously investigated,Wellington International Airport Ltd Draft Master Plan (Technical Solutions), Airplan NZ, 1991.Wellington's Airport: The Costs & Benefits of Alternative Developments, C. Gillson, NZIER, 1970.Study of the Development of Wellington Airport, W. D. Scott & Co (NZ) Ltd, December 1979.Wellington International Airport Master Plan, J.H. Fyson, Wellington City Council Works Department, 1985.{{cite web|url=http://www.horizonsmw.govt.nz/images/CargoHubFactSheet.pdf|title=Horizons Manawatu Fact Sheet/Background Information for Cargo Hub Report, 2002, p4.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315225709/http://www.horizonsmw.govt.nz/images/CargoHubFactSheet.pdf|archive-date=15 March 2007}} but would require expensive land reclamation into Lyall Bay, and massive breakwater protection from Cook Strait. Doubts have existed over the viability of such an undertaking, particularly as Air New Zealand has repeatedly indicated that it has no interest in pursuing international service beyond Australia and the Pacific Islands, and few international airlines have shown serious interest in providing services beyond those points. Air New Zealand has questioned potential demand for such flights, citing the axing of its Christchurch-Los Angeles route in early 2006.{{cite web|title=Air NZ drops Christchurch-LA service|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10365291|date=25 January 2006|work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=5 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025102436/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10365291|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status=live}} Regional business organisations and the airport have put forward their case to various international airlines for long-haul operations to and from Wellington,{{cite web|title=Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce presentation|url=http://wellingtonairport.co.nz/extras/pdf/pres_chamber_commerce_final.pdf|date=1 August 2006|work=Wellington International Airport|access-date=5 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410225835/http://wellingtonairport.co.nz/extras/pdf/pres_chamber_commerce_final.pdf|archive-date=10 April 2008}} pointing out that Christchurch's economy is mainly industrial and agricultural, while arguing that Wellington's economy is based mainly on what they see as the higher-value public service, financial, ICT, and creative sectors. In particular, a survey commissioned by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce found that respondents regarded the airport's limited international capacity as the biggest obstacle to the Wellington region's economic potential, by a long margin over other factors.{{cite web|title=Wellington airport plan riles Air NZ|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/425829/602177|date=5 August 2005|work=TVNZ|access-date=5 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014053247/http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/425829/602177|archive-date=14 October 2012|url-status=live}} It has also been pointed out that while Air New Zealand has been scaling back certain routes, it is adding others, most notably Auckland-Shanghai from 6 November 2006.

According to WIAL in 2009, the forthcoming Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 were originally predicted to have improved runway performance over existing long-haul aircraft, opening up the possibility of direct air links to Asia and the Americas if commercially viable.{{cite web|title=Wellington Airport: Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.infratil.com/wellington_international_airport_faqs.htm#q7 |work=Infratil|access-date=5 December 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080108062415/http://www.infratil.com/wellington_international_airport_faqs.htm#q7 |archive-date = 8 January 2008}} However, when the B787 was introduced into service, it was found that the "actual performance was not as favourable as was originally envisaged", prompting a decision to extend the north end of the runway.{{cite web|url=http://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/about/questions-on-extending-the-runway/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514010101/http://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/about/questions%2Don%2Dextending%2Dthe%2Drunway/|title=About: Questions on extending the runway|publisher=Wellington Airport|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 May 2014}} In 2011, the Wellington City Council, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and local business leaders reiterated their support for lengthening the runway, as part of the Airport's 2030 Long Term Plan, but questions were raised about a possible conflict of interest regarding the then incumbent Mayor's role on Infratil's board of directors.{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5298383/Push-to-extend-Wellington-airport |title=Push to extend Wellington airport |author=Burgess, Dave |date=18 July 2011 |work=The Dominion Post |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719202628/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5298383/Push-to-extend-Wellington-airport |archive-date=19 July 2011 |url-status=live }} The same year, Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy called for further action on a runway extension,{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1303/S00139/strong-support-for-runway-extension.htm|title=Strong support for runway extension|author=Upper Hutt City Council|date=6 March 2013|publisher=Scoop.co.nz|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218121712/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1303/S00139/strong-support-for-runway-extension.htm|archive-date=18 December 2013|url-status=live}} with a spokesman for the airport confirming a proposal to lengthen the southern end of the runway by 300 m at an estimated cost of $1 million a metre which could start early 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8391777/Mayor-seeks-action-over-runway-plan|title=Mayor seeks action over runway plan|author=Paul Easton and Tim Donoghue|work=The Dominion Post|date=7 March 2013|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311093245/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8391777/Mayor-seeks-action-over-runway-plan|archive-date=11 March 2013|url-status=live}} In 2013, United Arab Emirates-based airline Emirates said it would consider Wellington as a destination while the airport operator said 1000 people connect with long-haul flights to and from the capital each day.'[http://www.3news.co.nz/Calls-for-Wellington-Airport-to-extend-runway/tabid/421/articleID/281961/Default.aspx Calls for Wellington Airport to extend runway] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210235850/http://www.3news.co.nz/Calls-for-Wellington-Airport-to-extend-runway/tabid/421/articleID/281961/Default.aspx |date=10 December 2013 }}' on 3News website, dated 2013-01-03, viewed 7 January 2013 Also in 2013, China Southern Airlines expressed interest in starting a Guangzhou to Wellington service.{{cite web |url=http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-04/10/content_16387949.htm |title=Guangzhou set to allow 72-hr visa-free visits |date=10 April 2013 |work=China Daily |access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084433/http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-04/10/content_16387949.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}

In late 2014, the Airport and the Wellington City Council jointly opened the Web site [https://web.archive.org/web/20211025140156/https://www.connectwellington.co.nz/ Connect Wellington] to promote the case for a runway extension.

In January 2016, Singapore Airlines announced that it would begin services to Wellington via Canberra. The route, dubbed "The Capital Express", flew to Wellington via Canberra four times a week, using a Boeing 777-200 aircraft.{{cite web|url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/news/singapore-airlines-to-make-history-with-new-capital-express-service/|title=Wellington International Airport – Singapore Airlines to make history with new 'Capital Express' service|website=www.wellingtonairport.co.nz|access-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311075235/https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/news/singapore-airlines-to-make-history-with-new-capital-express-service/|archive-date=11 March 2016|url-status=dead}} The 777-200 was able to use Wellington Airport because the amount of fuel needed to fly between Wellington and Canberra was relatively small; it could not take off from Wellington Airport if it carried the fuel required to fly non-stop to Singapore. The Deputy Mayor of Wellington argued that Singapore Airlines' commitment to the capital helped the case for an airport runway extension, and showed that airlines are looking to fly to Wellington and that the extension would cater for that in the future.{{cite web|url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/singapore-airlines-flights-raise-hopes-for-wellington-runway-extension/|title=Singapore Airlines flights raise hopes for Wellington runway extension|last=Walker|first=Nick|website=www.newstalkzb.co.nz|access-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311074049/http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/singapore-airlines-flights-raise-hopes-for-wellington-runway-extension/|archive-date=11 March 2016|url-status=live}} In 2018, the Capital Express route was redirected via Melbourne instead of Canberra. In 2019, Singapore Airlines announced that they would replace the 777-200 aircraft with the A350-900, starting on 1 November 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/115112381/creature-comforts-of-singapore-airlines-a350900-winging-its-way-to-wellington|title=Creature comforts of Singapore Airlines A350-900 winging its way to Wellington|publisher=Stuff |first=Felix |last=Desmarais|date=20 August 2019}}

On 8 May 2024, the airport announced a pause on plans for a runway extension, in order to get consent to rebuild the southern seawall.{{Cite web |title=Potential runway extension update |url=https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/news/airport-projects/potential-runway-extension-update/ |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=www.wellingtonairport.co.nz |language=en-nz}}

File:QANTAS 747SP touches down in Wellington.jpg to land at Wellington Airport, a Qantas Boeing 747SP, touches down in 1981.]]

Because of the runway limitations, Qantas introduced Boeing 747SPs on flights between Wellington and Australia in 1981; the 747SP has a much shorter fuselage than other 747 variants.Qantas SP will mean 747 services to Wellington Freight & Container Transportation March 1980 page 27[https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125652255 Qantas 747 SP reaches NZ] Canberra Times 13 February 1981 page 3{{cite web|url=http://www.connectwellington.co.nz/history|title=History – Wellington Airport runway extension|website=www.connectwellington.co.nz|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313211951/http://www.connectwellington.co.nz/history|archive-date=13 March 2016|url-status=live}} Air New Zealand operated Douglas DC-8s from Wellington on trans-Tasman routes, but when they were retired in 1981 none of its other aircraft were capable of operating international flights from Wellington – Air New Zealand's McDonnell Douglas DC-10s required more runway length than Wellington had available, and twinjets such as the Boeing 737-200 were not yet ETOPS-certified.{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/104731259/roger-hanson-engines-turn-or-passengers-swim-the-colloquial-term-for-airplane-engine-ratings|title=Engines Turn or Passengers Swim the colloquial term for airplane engine ratings|author=Roger Hanson|date=2018-06-14|publisher=Stuff.co.nz}}

The 747SP addressed this gap in the market, with Air New Zealand (after turning down an offer to purchase the type) code-sharing with Qantas. Special markings on the runway assisted Qantas pilots, to indicate where to touch down and to abort and go round to attempt a landing again.{{cite book|last=Eames|first=Jim|title=The Flying Kangaroo|publisher=Allen & Unwin|year=2015|isbn=978-1-76011-355-1|page=46}} The 747SP service to Wellington continued until 1985, when Qantas and later Air New Zealand took delivery of the more capable and economical Boeing 767-200ER type.

During this time Pan Am took an interest in the operation of 747SPs into the capital and proposed a possible long-range service to the US via Hawaii.{{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} However, the New Zealand Government refused Pan Am's request for the route, citing Auckland Airport as the main gateway for overseas flights and the ability to generate passenger numbers amongst other things.{{cite web|title=Qantas Use of 747SP in the 1980s|url=http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/2602745/1#1|work=Airliners.net forum|access-date=5 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621230122/http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/2602745/1/#1|archive-date=21 June 2012}}{{Better source needed|reason=The participants in an Airliners.net forum are often knowledgeable, but the information posted cannot be regarded as intrinsically reliable|date=October 2024}}{{cite web|title=Red, White And Q Farewell For Qantas Aircraft

|url=http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/media-releases/mar-2002/2645/global/en|date=4 March 2002|work=Qantas Airways|access-date=6 November 2015}}

Wellington Airport is only accessed by road. The airport lies at the southern end of the North Island section of State Highway 1, which connects the airport to Wellington City via the Mount Victoria Tunnel. SH 1 then continues to the Wellington Urban Motorway, which takes traffic out of the city and further afield to Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast, and also onwards to the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa via State Highway 2. The distance from the airport to the city centre is roughly {{convert|8|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Several taxi and shuttle companies serve the airport.

Metlink bus route 2 (between the CBD and Miramar/Seatoun) has a stop within walking distance of the terminal and connects to Metlink train services at Wellington railway station.{{cite web|url=https://www.metlink.org.nz/getting-around/airport/|title=Travelling to/from the Airport|date=15 July 2018|publisher=Metlink Wellington|access-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917022224/https://www.metlink.org.nz/getting-around/airport/|archive-date=17 September 2018}} The Metlink Airport Express bus service, which began on 1 July 2022, links the Wellington CBD directly with Wellington Airport.{{cite web|title=New Airport Express service starting soon!|url=https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/plans-and-projects/new-airport-express-service-coming-soon/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608072142/https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/plans-and-projects/new-airport-express-service-coming-soon/|archive-date=2022-06-08|url-status=dead}}

Public transport to the airport is limited to buses as the airport is quite distant from the Wellington railway station, making it difficult to link Wellington Airport to the CBD via a rail link. Feasibility studies, such as the Greater Wellington Regional Council's Ngauranga to Wellington Airport Corridor Plan,{{cite web|title=Ngauranga to Wellington Airport Corridor Plan|url=http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/Transport/Regional-transport/Ngauranga-Airport-Corridor/Ngauranga-Airport-Corridor-Plan.pdf|work=GWRC|access-date=27 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128193818/http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/Transport/Regional-transport/Ngauranga-Airport-Corridor/Ngauranga-Airport-Corridor-Plan.pdf|archive-date=28 November 2011|url-status=live}} have been carried out to address this gap in the network, with light rail being touted as a solution by some public transport advocates.

File:Cessna 172 flipped over, Wellington Airport.jpg upturned by strong winds in 2007]]

In spite of the short runway and frequent winds, there have been very few safety incidents at the airport, with the following exceptions:

• At the air show held on opening day in 1959 there were two significant incidents. An RNZAF Short Sunderland flying boat scraped its keel along the runway during a low pass in turbulent conditions; it returned to its base at Hobsonville and was beached for repair.Blast from the past, The Wings Over New Zealand Aviation Forum. Retrieved 19 August 2016 An Avro Vulcan bomber of the Royal Air Force aborted its landing when it touched down short of the runway, damaging its left main landing gear drag link and the wing attachments, and rupturing engine fuel lines; the aircraft flew to Ohakea air base where it was stranded for several months being repaired.[http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/8420667/Retired-wing-commander-remembers-near-miss Retired wing commander remembers near miss, Dominion Post] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908233605/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/8420667/Retired-wing-commander-remembers-near-miss |date=8 September 2017 }} 13 March 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2016
• On Tuesday 8 October 1991 a United Airlines Boeing 747-122, registered N4728U, made an emergency landing after its intended destination, Auckland Airport, was closed by fog. It was estimated that if the aircraft had continued to its planned alternate destination, Christchurch, it would have had an unacceptable 15 minutes of fuel on board.The Dominion, 9 October 1991, p.3; The Dominion, 24 June 1999, p3{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%202732.html|title=1991 – 2732 – Flight Archive|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608075756/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%202732.html|archive-date=8 June 2015|url-status=live}}

• List of airports in New Zealand
• List of airlines of New Zealand
• Transport in New Zealand
• List of busiest airports in New Zealand

{{reflist}}

Category:International airports in New Zealand

• [https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/ Official website]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPXcByce_hY Video of opening of the airport in 1953]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070314024842/http://www.aviationpage.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=31 NZWN Details on AviationPage New Zealand]
• [http://www.aip.net.nz/pdf/NZWN_52.1_52.2.pdf New Zealand AIP Operational Data Pages]

{{Airports in New Zealand}}

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Category:Wellington City

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Category:Airports established in 1959

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