The project alters the planning framework for the airport and surrounding land. New zoning and designations support the airport's current and future needs, including the ability to extend the runway to the north within the next 10 – 15 years.
At 1347m, Nelson Airport’s runway is among the shortest in the world for airports of Nelson's size and activity levels. Its length restricts airlines' ability to operate efficiently here, and it may be too short to accommodate future aircraft types.
Following public engagement and consultation (2022 and 2023) and an independent hearing (2024), the Environment Court formally endorsed the changes through a consent order in May 2026. On 14 July 2026, the changes came into effect and were incorporated in the Nelson City Council's Resource Management Plan.
Nelson Airport is one of New Zealand’s busiest regional airports, hosting about 850,000 passengers every year. We’ve signalled the need for a longer runway for many years and, while the development is still 10 – 15 years away, planning needs to start now to provide certainty for the future.
The updated planning framework protects and provides for the runway extension and future airport operations by ensuring appropriate zoning and land designations are in place.
A longer runway will allow airlines to offer more aircraft and flight options for Nelson.