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Brief history

The development of Christchurch International Airport began in 1936 with an aerodrome at Harewood. The “Harewood Airport” opened for commercial flying in May 1940. It became New Zealand's first international airport on 16 December 1950.

There have been a lot of changes to the airport since then. The most recent change is a new terminal building. This building cost $237 million and was opened in April 2013.

Who owns the airport?

The people of Christchurch and New Zealand own the airport. The airport is owned 75% by Christchurch City Holdings Limited (a holding company of the Christchurch City Council) and 25% by the Government.

Who runs the airport?

Christchurch Airport is run by a company called Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL). CIAL owns the airport terminal and airfields.

CIAL’s main jobs:

• keep the terminal building safe, clean and warm
• maintain the runways
• manage car parking facilities
• make sure passengers, visitors and tenants have the services they need.

Tenants and employment

CIAL rents space in the terminal to:

• airlines
• freight and postal companies
• tourism operators
• rental car companies
• clothing stores
• food outlets
• cafes
• bookshops.

Just over 6000 people are employed on the airport campus.

• Check out the ground floor map (PDF 75k) and first floor map (PDF 199k) to see the different facilities, businesses and services at the airport.

CIAL leases space on the airfield to:

• airlines
• freight companies
• Canterbury Aero Club
• US Air Force for Antarctic operations.

CIAL does not own aircraft or the control tower. CIAL does not make decisions about flights or flight timetables.

Bringing the world south

Christchurch International Airport is the gateway for Christchurch and the South Island. 81 per cent of international visitors to the South Island are welcomed and farewelled at the airport. Up to six million passengers travel in and out of the airport each year. There are more than 100 direct flights to Antarctica each year!

Runways

The airport has two main runways. The main runway is 3300 metres long. The second runway is 1750 metres long. They face different ways and are used depending on which way the wind is blowing. The airport also has a third grass runway.

Airport Fire Service

Christchurch International Airport has its own fire service with 35 fire fighters. There is even a wildlife officer who keeps the airfield free of birds and pests!

Community engagement

CIAL supports the community in a number of ways. It is the main sponsor for the Christchurch Marathon.