Queenstown airport: New terminal design and sustainability report

Queenstown Airport Corporation has announced the appointment of two leading architectural firms, Warren and Mahoney (WAM) and Hassell, to work in partnership with the company to deliver the concept design for a new terminal upgrade.

Chief Executive Shane O'Hare says the appointment marks an important milestone for Queenstown Airport.

"Our vision is to be an innovative airport that people love to travel through, and the community takes pride in. Since the approval of the Master Plan in 2023, we've made strong progress on our infrastructure development programme.

"The expansion and upgrade of the existing terminal is the largest programme of works in our Master Plan. It will enable us to increase the capacity of the terminal and elevate the experience of both customers and staff working at the airport.

"Our research and global insights show that innovation and customer experience are central to the future of airports. They are evolving beyond simple facilitiation of travel to become destinations in their own right. To achieve this, airports must develop a deeper understanding of travellers' emotional, social, and personal needs."

Both WAM and Hassell have a wealth of experience working with airports on both sides of the Tasman – including Christchurch, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast airports – and globally.

"We are confident they are the right partners to help us create a striking concept design that captures the essence of Queenstown and leaves a lasting impression on every traveller flying in or out," Mr O'Hare says.

Warren and Mahoney Managing Principal Katherine Skipper says the redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate the traveller experience at one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.

"Queenstown Airport is a gateway to one of the world's most remarkable places, and the project presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class, memorable experience that reflects the people, history, and spirit of the region.

"Our focus, in close partnership with Hassell and QAC, will be on designing a terminal that is proudly of its place – welcoming, intuitive and deeply connected to its landscape and community – while meeting the operational demands of a growing, future-focused international airport."

Warren and Mahoney will be guided by a design brief that has been developed through consultation with Queenstown Airport's airline customers, community, and the travelling public. The programme of works is anchored by an expansion of the terminal to the south, and upgrades to check-in, security screening, and the airside domestic and international lounges.

The terminal concept design is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

2025 Sustainability Report released.

Queenstown Airport has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, showing progress on decarbonisation and broader sustainability initiatives.

“Our holistic approach to sustainability recognises that people, planet, and prosperity are intertwined,” Chief Executive Shane O’Hare says. “A lot of effort is going into supporting our community, reducing our environmental impact, and improving how we operate. This report is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the measurable difference that is making.”

The report includes comprehensive climate-related disclosures and is supported by a Carbon Footprint Report, which provides an overview of the company’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

These show Queenstown Airport has lowered organisational emissions* by 76% since the 2019 baseline and remains on track for an 85% reduction by 2028.

A significant step towards this was the upgrade of the system used to heat, cool, and ventilate the terminal. The system is now fully electric, and the diesel boiler used for preheating has been permanently decommissioned.

General Manager Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Sara Irvine says another important achievement during the year was the completion of a comprehensive assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities, which is outlined in the report.

“It is vital that we operate sustainably and build long-term resilience. A key priority for us is to understand, plan, and adapt to the impacts of climate change on our business,” Ms Irvine says.

“We also recognise the importance of fostering positive relationships and building strong connections with the people and businesses of the region we serve.”

An example of this in action is the new partnership Queenstown Airport has formed with Remarkables Station National Trust Ltd to restore native forest to a 100-hectare area of farmland at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range.

Another is the establishment of the ZQN Community Fund, which complements the airport’s longstanding partnerships programme and enables the easy distribution of smaller one-off grants to grassroots charities doing valuable work in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts. In its inaugural year, grants totalling $50,000 were awarded from the fund, which is administered by the 45South Community Foundation.

Other highlights of the year include:

Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+: Queenstown Airport joined the Airports International Council Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at the second-highest tier in 2024 and has maintained that accreditation this year.

Sustainability-linked loans: All four sustainability targets linked to bank lending facilities have been achieved.

Electrification: The airport is investing heavily in increasing electrical capacity, building a new switchroom, installing another transformer, and laying hundreds of metres of new cabling.

Newer aircraft at ZQN: Our partner airlines have introduced quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft on their ZQN routes, which will reduce the intensity of emissions per passenger. Aircraft emissions represent the majority of our scope 3 emissions.

Electric ground service equipment: The six charging stations for electric ground service equipment installed in 2024 are now in regular use by all the airlines operating at Queenstown Airport.

Bike chargers: Three electric charging stations have been installed for use by the public and another six for airport workers.

Waste minimisation: The airport’s on-site composting and recycling programmes have been expanded.

Sustainable construction: With a substantial infrastructure investment programme under way, sustainable construction practices are a focus and sustainable design guidelines are being developed.

Community partnerships: Continued support for local charities, including the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Coastguard Queenstown, KiwiHarvest, and the Wakatipu High School Foundation.

Employee wellbeing: A Whānau Policy, providing additional benefits and support to help staff members through key life events, was introduced this year.

* Organisational emissions are defined as scopes 1 and 2, and limited scope 3.

The full reports are available on the Queenstown Airport website: