Auckland defers second runway - again

Auckland Airport has announced a further delay in the construction of a planned second runway.

The decision follows extensive consultation with the airline industry and a review of capacity management on the existing runway.

Work on the second runway started in 2007 but was then suspended in August 2009 because of the global financial crisis and its effect on air travel. Though AIAL also referred to an "uncertain regulatory framework".

AIAL CEO Simon Moutter said that by working closely with Air New Zealand and the local Board of Airline Representatives, more effective means of managing peak-time capacity on the existing runway have been agreed, which meant that the airport could handle expected growth for a few years longer than was earlier envisaged.

Additionally, although passenger volumes were now growing again, the growth trend was still behind where it was anticipated to be when construction of the second runway began.

“A second runway has been part of the Auckland Airport master-plan since the 1960s and will definitely be needed before too long,” Moutter said.

“However, by working with our airline partners to improve existing runway efficiency, we can defer significant capital expenditure for a few more years. This will reduce cost pressures on our airline customers and on travellers using Auckland Airport. This is a sensible outcome for everyone.

“This move is also consistent with our focus on cost efficiency and capital productivity, which is a key element of our strategy to drive growth in shareholder value.”