24-Hour Air Force access for commercial planes given green light

Ohakea Air Force base near Palmerston North will be an alternative runway for commercial, wide-body aircraft 24 hours a day by mid 2027.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced the government has approved $4.57-million funding over two years for Airways NZ to provide round the clock air traffic control at the airport.

Under aviation safety rules, commercial flights must nominate an alternate runway in case their destination airport is closed due to weather or another event, but Ohakea can only be used between 5am-10:30pm daily.

James Meager says this change increases the commercial viability of flying to New Zealand for major airlines.

“Aircraft can carry less fuel and fly these routes with full passenger and freight loads. This directly benefits our tourism operators, exporters and regional economies…”

The news has been warmly welcomed by the Board of Airline Representatives NZ

Chief Executive Cath O’Brien says today’s announcement will make a meaningful difference for airlines operating to New Zealand,

“If Ohakea is available when airlines are flying long haul to Auckland or Christchurch, this saves between 4-6 tonne of jet fuel, minimises carbon burn, and ultimately makes destination New Zealand plannable”.

Cath O’Brien says limits to air traffic control have meant services to New Zealand have had to operate with fewer passengers and reduced cargo loads to accommodate that additional fuel requirement.

“Restoration of capability at Ohakea gives airlines confidence that New Zealand is open

for business and they will be able to operate here with confidence”.

The extended air traffic control service is expected to be operational within 18 months, once new staff have been recruited and trained.

This decision is part of the government’s Aviation Action Plan, launched in September 2025.