Public consultation on new flight paths from Wellington Airport

Published on April 10, 2024

A public consultation is scheduled for this year regarding possible alternative flight paths for northern jet departures from Wellington Airport. This comes after Airways New Zealand recommended changes to flight paths in December 2022 under the new Divergent Missed Approach Protection System (DMAPS).

DMAPS, developed by Airways and approved by Wellington Airport, has enhanced safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency at the airport. While it has reduced noise impacts for some residents, others have experienced more noise than anticipated, with fewer departures over Newlands and more over Khandallah and Broadmeadows.

The upcoming consultation will consider several options:

1) Altering the northern departure route for jets before 7 am to pass over less populated areas.
2) Reverting to the previous northern departure route used before December 2022.
3) Maintaining the current configuration.

Wellington Airport’s General Manager Corporate Affairs Jenna Raeburn says: 

“We’ve listened to public feedback and as a result we’ve asked Airways to look at this again and develop alternative options.

“Each option will have different benefits and drawbacks. It is unavoidable that aircraft will fly over residential areas under each option. 

“The timing of any final change is still to be confirmed and will depend on which option is selected following consultation.”

Prior to commencing public consultation, several tasks need to be completed:

• Airways must be given the opportunity to design the potential alternative route.
• Properties that could be impacted by this alternative route need to be identified.
• Noise modeling needs to be conducted.
• Noise monitors need to be arranged.

“Consultation will involve all affected local communities and other stakeholders including airlines.

“We will move as quickly as possible and keep the community informed on next steps.

“Timing is dependent on technical input from Airways, who are responsible for designing and implementing flight path changes.”