Wellington Airport has reported strong commercial performance and an increase in international travellers arriving at the gate.
Wellington Airport has released its financial results for the 12 months to 31 March 2026, highlighted by solid earnings and the completion of major airfield and terminal upgrades.
Strong commercial performance alongside a four percent increase in international passengers has helped achieve an EBITDAF of NZD 133.4 million, up from last year’s NZD 130.2 million.
In this period, the airport hosted 5.1 million travellers, down slightly from 5.3 million last year, and achieved a net profit after tax of NZD 15.7 million.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said it’s been a year of delivery for Wellington Airport with significant upgrades completed to the runway and terminal.
“The EMAS runway system is an important safety project that also opens opportunities to connect Wellington directly to long-haul destinations. We’ve completed our new Airport Fire Station and the terminal has a stunning new look with the Manu Muramura centrepiece and the new multi-level venue Good Day,” said Clarke.
“The financial results are pleasing and reflect a strong year of performance, particularly from the commercial side of the business. This has been achieved despite pressure on regional connectivity and Air New Zealand’s well-known fleet availability issues. We’ve kept a focus on controlling costs and have worked closely with our airline partners on the timing of infrastructure projects.”
He added that this has put the airport in a solid position to manage the current challenges facing the aviation industry and the wider economy.”
The new runway dimensions mean Wellington Airport is now capable of handling next-generation widebody aircraft non-stop from major hubs in Asia and North America, while enabling full passenger loads on outbound services to destinations which were previously out of reach.
“We’re not announcing new services at this stage, but the Wellington region is the largest market in Australasia without a direct connection to Asia. The turbulence currently felt by the travel industry will settle in time, and we can all look forward to celebrating the arrival of long-haul flights to the capital when the time is right,” said Clarke.
Each EMAS bed is around 55 by 90 metres and made up of more than 3000 individual blocks, which were manufactured in the United States and shipped to Wellington last year.
Preparation for the project began in April last year. It has been completed a week ahead of schedule and within the NZD 35 million budget.
More news here.
