Queenstown Airport will pay an $18.8M dividend to shareholders after reporting record results in its 2025 Annual Report.

The airport posted a $29.4M profit from $79.9m in revenue for the year to June 30. 

Passenger numbers rose five percent to 2.6 million, with 18,865 scheduled aircraft movements, up three percent on last year.

“As a council-controlled trading organisation, we’re proud of the contribution we make to the region,” Queenstown Airport Corporation chair Simon Flood said. 

“When our terminal is humming, other local businesses are also doing well.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council, as majority shareholder, will receive $14.1M of the dividend - equal to $440 per ratepayer. An interim $7M was paid in February, with the balance due this month.

Alongside its financial results, the airport put more than $200,000 into local charities and launched a $50,000 community fund open to groups across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.

It also delivered major infrastructure projects under its Master Plan. The installation of Australasia’s first engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) was completed on time and on budget, enhancing runway safety. 

The first terminal expansion since 2015 is now under way, adding 800m² of operational space along with seismic strengthening and electrical upgrades.

Customer upgrades included new self-service check-in technology, expanded security screening, and new food and beverage offerings such as Skippers bar in international departures. Extra toilets and a parenting room are being built in the domestic lounge.

On sustainability, Queenstown Airport advanced to Level 4+ ‘Transition’ in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation programme and is aiming for Level 5. Since 2019, it has cut emissions by 76 percent and is targeting 85 percent by 2028.

Interim chief executive Todd Grace said the airport was entering a major period of development.

“There is a lot to do… but we are confident the outcome will be an airport that will serve this region well for decades to come,” he said.

FY25 snapshot

• Revenue: $79.9M
• Profit: $29.4M
• Dividend: $18.8M
• Passenger movements: 2,601,883
• Aircraft movements: 18,865
• Community contribution: $200,000+
• Major safety project completed (EMAS)

PHOTO: Supplied