New Zealand’s Queenstown Airport has welcomed its first commercial after-dark flight with a rousing kapa haka performance in the terminal building and a taste of Queenstown with treats provided by local businesses Patagonia Chocolates, Cup and Cake, and The Remarkables Sweet Shop.
Air New Zealand flight NZ613 from Auckland touched down at 7:24pm yesterday (May 23) and outbound passengers on NZ616 were also entertained in the departure lounge before departing at 8:45pm.
Queenstown Airport Corporation acting chief executive Mark Edghill commented, “This is an exciting development for both the Queenstown region and for us as an airport. It’s a proud moment for all the organizations involved who have worked together over the past four years with a shared vision and commitment to safety to make after-dark flights a reality.”
The introduction of evening flights during the winter months will maximize the airport’s current consented operating hours of 6:00am-10:00pm and provide more traveler flexibility and connectivity across airline networks. It will also reduce peak-time pressure on the airport’s facilities and services, which have been experiencing sustained growth in passenger and traffic volumes.
