Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) has released a feasibility study for a possible airport at Tarras which indicates it could support planes flying to and from Australia, the Pacific and even Southeast Asia. 

Runway length will determine the types of aircraft that could be used and the passengers and payloads that could be carried at an airport in Tarras, and today (Tuesday August 29) CIAL said it could support some long-haul international flights.

“Based on the information we’ve seen so far, a runway between 2,200 and 2,600 metres is likely to be feasible on the site…,” CIAL chief strategy and stakeholder officer Michael Singleton said.

This would support “a broad range of aircraft types”.

CIAL chief strategy and stakeholder officer Michael Singleton (pictured) says a runway length supporting some long-haul international flights is feasible.

Flight tracks also made public by CIAL today indicate planes could avoid flying over main residential areas including Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, Michael said. 

The airport identified two possible runway alignments in 2021 and it has now identified its preferred option, which means planes could bypass the Upper Clutha’s main settlements as well as Cromwell, Arrowtown and Queenstown.

“A runway aligned to the Lindis Valley and Lake Dunstan stood out for its safety, operational efficiency and having a lesser noise impact on the communities in Central Otago,” Michael said.

This alignment would also mean flight tracks would also be “likely to avoid” flying over Lakes Wānaka, Hāwea and Wakatipu. 

A wider view of the proposed airport, looking south.

CIAL has also provided, for the first time, a range of concept plans, noise profile videos, runway alignment videos and artists impressions of what a Tarras airport could look like.

Artist's simulation

Arrival noise profile

Departure noise profile

CIAL chief executive Justin Watson said the work to better understand the capability in Tarras is focussed on laying the groundwork for a good decision on the future of the project – whether an airport is built or not.

A runway of between 2,200 and 2,600 metres is likely to be feasible for the site and surrounding terrain.

“We believe this is worth exploring,” he said. “[The district’s] economy depends on the efficient movement of people and products, and while we’re not making decisions yet, we are making sure we fully understand the impact of the options both now and for future generations.”

Drop-in sessions about the proposed airport are taking place in the Upper Clutha this week and CIAL representatives will be on-site to provide more information.

The sessions are taking place at the Tarras Community Hall tonight (Tuesday August 29), Cromwell Presbyterian Hall (Wednesday August 30), and at Edgewater Resort Wānaka (Thursday August 31), all from 2pm-7pm.

IMAGES: CIAL