Queenstown Airport supporting essential services
While New Zealand is at Alert Level 4, Queenstown Airport is supporting the transport of people undertaking essential services and the transport of freight.
Air New Zealand has today adjusted its domestic network to enable essential travel only and to keep air freight moving. From tomorrow there will be no scheduled domestic flights at Queenstown Airport. However, staff from the airport company, border agencies, aviation security and the airline will be on stand-by to manage any ad hoc flights. All non-operationally essential staff continue to work from home.
Access to the airport's terminal building is restricted to essential staff and travellers. Our aviation security service is undertaking 24/7 patrols around the airfield and general aviation precinct.
The airport's international terminal is closed until trans-Tasman flights resume and its Park and Ride service has been suspended for the time being.
Additional space at the airport has been provided to the local police to set up an operations base which will help them support and assist local essential services. It will also provide a level of resilience and help them maintain physical distancing while they work.
Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) Chief Executive Colin Keel says that while it has been a very challenging few weeks for everyone given the significant impact of COVID-19 on the aviation and tourism sectors as well as the broader economy, the airport communities at Queenstown and Wanaka airports remain strong, committed and resilient.
"Our immediate focus has been on supporting our staff, airport communities and customers while also trying to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the company.
The various scenarios we've worked through have helped us quickly stabilise the business and adapt our working arrangements to support a very different operating environment."
Mr Keel thanked the airport communities and wider community for their support during the transition to Alert Level 4 operations.
"While there are still many challenges ahead, the outpouring of community spirit and kindness shows that we're all in this together - and together we'll get through this difficult time."
Customers wishing to travel domestically in New Zealand are asked to please check whether they qualify to travel under the essential services list before booking a ticket. Customers who already have tickets are advised to speak directly to their airline and those with onward international connections are encouraged to get in touch with their embassy.
For more information about essential services visit https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/covid-19-alert-level-4-transport-essential-services/. For the latest COVID-19 updates please visit the Government website www.covid19.govt.nz.