Queenstown airport forecasts 250,000 passengers in the next three months

From Queenstown Airport.

Australian families will begin flying in for their school holidays this week. The Matariki public holiday on Friday and Mardi Gras Queenstown on Saturday will also boost passenger numbers.

Another surge is expected when New Zealand school holidays begin on 28 June.

The Winter Pride event starting on 15 August and the Snow Machine festival early in September will also bring extra visitors to Queenstown.

About 248,000 passenger movements* a month are expected in July and August, and about 226,000 in September.  [* arrivals and departures totalled]

There will be an average of 65 flights a day between 5 July and 31 August.

“We’re always excited to welcome visitors for their winter holidays,” Interim Chief Executive Officer Todd Grace said.

“It will be snug in the terminal, but our operations team is well drilled, and the buzz these peak-season travellers bring is a real boost for the region.”

Last year, the airport recorded 235,000 passenger movements in July and August, and 210,00 in September.

Air New Zealand recently announced it will switch from the Airbus A320 to the larger A321neo aircraft on the Auckland-Queenstown route from July to November, and it will also add one flight, increasing capacity by a total of more than 19,400 seats.

The Australian airlines have also added extra flights for winter.

The busiest day is likely to be Sunday, 20 July, when more than 5,000 passenger movements are expected. The final day of Winter Pride, Sunday, 24 August, will also be a big day.

Mr Grace asked travellers and members of the community to be courteous to airport staff.

“Our team is here to help you. A little patience and kindness will make everyone's day go more smoothly.”

Skip the queue

NZ Ski has a self-service MyPass kiosk in the Queenstown Airport terminal this year.

“We’re delighted about this partnership, because it will enable passengers who plan to ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables to register online, then collect their MyPass card before they leave the airport,” Mr Grace said.

“When they head up the mountains, they can skip the queues and head straight to the slopes.”

The kiosk is conveniently located beside the domestic baggage claim area.

International departures

Queenstown Airport has put considerable effort into increasing the food and beverage options available in the international departures area.

A casual eatery and bar called Skippers opened in the international departures area late last year. It offers an all-day menu cooked to order, as well as delicious baked goods, and a carefully selected range of local beverages.

Fuel To Fly caters to those who would rather take food with them. It’s been refurbished recently and stocks a wide range of freshly prepared food, snacks, and drinks.

Parking

Those driving to the airport have a choice of two parking areas near the terminal, or the Queenstown Airport Park & Ride service. This is an affordable parking option located on Brookes Road with a free return shuttle operating 365 days a year. The first trip leaves the Park & Ride area 100 minutes before the first flight is scheduled to depart. The last trip leaves Queenstown Airport 60 minutes after the last flight lands.

Pick-up duty

If you are on pick-up duty, check the flight arrival time before you leave home and take advantage of the P20 zone right in front of the terminal where you may park for 20 minutes for free. Just stay in the right-hand lane as you drive through the roundabout. Please be warned, waiting in the drop-off zone is not allowed and you could receive a traffic infringement ticket if you linger.

Drop-offs

If you are using the drop-off zone in front of Queenstown Airport, please say a quick farewell to your passengers, then drive on. Empty vehicles in the drop-off zone are regarded as a security threat, so if you need to help with luggage or check-in, please use the P20 zone.

What to pack

Before you start packing, check what you are allowed to take on a plane. Be especially careful about batteries and items such as wireless ear buds or hearing-aid chargers, as some of these things are only allowed in a carry-on bag. If you are flying internationally, there are special rules for powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels.

Security screening

If it is a while since you last caught a flight, security screening might be a little different. Advances in screening technology mean you no longer need to remove laptops and other electronic devices from your carry-on bag. However, you will have to remove boots and heavy coats.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Every visitor flying into New Zealand and Kiwis returning home must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. The easiest way to do this is online or on the NZTD app before you get on your flight. It is free and can be submitted up to 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. Doing it in advance will make passenger processing easier when you land in Queenstown.