A resurgence of flights and passengers through Queenstown Airport during the last school holidays was appreciated, despite the heavy snow at the start of the holidays that caused disruptions.

Queenstown Airport operations and safety general manager Mike Clay said it was great to see an increase in flights above the current norm, with approximately 16 aircraft arrivals and departures each day.

He said passenger numbers were also up as more people were able to travel on available aircraft after the government announced the removal of on-board physical distancing ahead of the school holidays, allowing airlines to utilise the middle seats. 

Jetstar also resumed flights after a four-week suspension in the lead up to the school holidays which encouraged domestic travel, Mike said.

The main surprise was the snowfall on Monday August 28 when both the Queenstown and Wanaka airports received between 3cm-5cms of snow.

“[It] was great for our customers who were visiting the district for a ski holiday, however it resulted in flight cancellations and/or diversions until early afternoon,” Mike said. 

And since Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke of a potential “trans-Tasman travel bubble” late last month the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) has been working on its plan to ensure the airport is ready should the bubble go ahead.

QAC general manager corporate and community affairs Sara Irvine told the Wanaka App that although there is no confirmed date for the resumption of trans-Tasman travel, the Queenstown Airport will be ready to reopen its international terminal as soon as required. 

“We have protocols and plans in place to operate as a ‘safe travel zone’ airport,” Sara said.

QAC has also been working closely with the airlines, other airports and relevant government agencies as a member of the NZ Aviation Coalition (which was established in April) to be prepared, she said.