$14 million Queenstown airport dividend to QLDC ratepayers

Queenstown Airport has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of strong financial performance, strategic infrastructure development, and positive community engagement.

FY25 SNAPSHOT

Revenue of $79.9 million
Record commercial performance
Profit of $29.4 million
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $57.3 million
Total annual dividend to shareholders of $18.8 million
Scheduled aircraft movements totalled 18,865
Passenger movements totalled 2,601,883
More than $200,000 contribution to the community through the QAC’s partnership programme and the inaugural ZQN Community Fund grants
Infrastructure development programme under way
Airfield safety project successfully completed.

The airport, which has just celebrated its 90^th birthday, welcomed 2.6 million travellers in the 12 months to 30 June 2025. This is a 5% increase on the previous year, reinforcing the airport’s role as a vital gateway to the Southern Lakes region and an increasingly important entry point to New Zealand. Scheduled aircraft movements totalled 18,865, up 3% on FY24.

“As a council-controlled trading organisation, we’re proud of the contribution we make to the region,” Queenstown Airport Corporation Chair Simon Flood said. “When our terminal is humming, other local businesses are also doing well.”

This year, QAC will pay a total dividend of $18.8 million, with the Queenstown Lakes District Council, as the majority shareholder, receiving $14.1 million. This equates to $440 per ratepayer across the district. An interim dividend of $7 million was paid to shareholders in February and the remainder will be distributed this month.

Beyond financial returns, QAC has expanded its support for local communities. A $50,000 community fund, open to charitable organisations across the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts, was launched. Combined with existing partnerships and sponsorships, the airport’s total annual community contribution now exceeds $200,000.

Infrastructure development has been a key focus, with Queenstown Airport moving swiftly to implement the Master Plan finalised at the end of 2023. Among the year’s major milestones was the installation of Australasia’s first engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), enhancing airfield safety by mitigating the risk of runway overruns.

“The completion of this project on time and within budget gives us confidence in our ability to successfully undertake major capital works without disrupting airport operations,” Mr Flood said.

The airport has also started its first terminal extension since 2015. This project will add 800m² of new office and operational space for Air New Zealand, Planebiz, and the Aviation Security Service. Major electrical upgrades and seismic strengthening works are also under way, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to safety and resilience.

Customer experience remains a priority, with investments in self-service check-in technology and expanded security screening helping to ease congestion. The opening of Skippers, a casual bar and eatery in the international departures lounge, has added to the airport’s food and beverage offerings. The construction of additional toilets and a parenting room in the domestic departures lounge started recently.

On the sustainability front, Queenstown Airport has joined the global Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at Level 4+ ‘Transition’. The airport is now targeting Level 5 – the highest tier in the programme. Since 2019, QAC has reduced its organisational absolute emissions by 76%, with a goal of 85% reduction by 2028. That progress is based on increasing electrification, transition to a certified renewable electricity supply, infrastructure upgrades, and the recent decommissioning of the diesel boiler.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Todd Grace said Queenstown Airport was at the very beginning of a substantial programme of investment to enhance safety, resilience, sustainability, and customer experience.

“There is a lot to do, and an extended period of development and construction ahead of us, but we are confident the outcome will be an airport that will serve this region well for decades to come.”

Mr Grace thanked the many people who had contributed to the company’s success, from airline partners and tenants to staff, contractors, and the broader community.

“Our achievements this year reflect the strength of our partnerships and the deep connection we have with the region we serve.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing support from our community, and we remain committed to working together to ensure Queenstown Airport continues to be a place of pride, opportunity, and shared progress.”

The full annual report is available to download here.

Queenstown Airport will release a Sustainability Report, incorporating climate-related disclosures, later this year.