Northern runway

In the mid-1990s, it became clear that an additional runway would be needed early in the next millennium.

The growing number and increasingly, the different types of aircraft using the existing runway has created this need.

Air traffic at Auckland Airport is characterised by two distinct types: large-capacity jet aircraft such as Boeing 747s and B777s and at the end of the spectrum, relatively small, slow aircraft. The combination of large, wide-bodied jets and high numbers of small, slow aircraft creates a unique and demanding set of operational parameters.

The number of landings that can be accommodated on any runway in a given hour depends partly on the spacing between aircraft movements.

The spacing is necessary, not only to eliminate the risk of collisions, but also to avoid an aircraft being endangered by the turbulent air currents (wake vortices) created by the aircraft in front of it.

It is expected that both international and domestic airlines through Auckland Airport will continue to operate using this same mix of aircraft types for the foreseeable future. Development planning has necessarily incorporated these conditions.

Located north of the existing runway, it will be an important part of future development. Ultimately it will create a vibrant hub for domestic airlines and make a significant contribution to tourism and freight growth.

The new runway will be north of and parallel to the existing main runway. It is being developed in stages ultimately to be 2,150 metres long as provided under the Manukau District Plan.

Stage 1 of the northern runway is expected to be operational late 2010 or early 2011, in time for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. It will be 1,200 metres in length at that time.

The first stage of the runway to be completed by 2010/11 will cost $32 million.

The northern runway will initially accommodate general aviation and small, non-jet aircraft. Importantly, this will free up capacity of the existing main southern runway. Its location provides 1,950 metres of separation between runways, allowing simultaneous operations in due course in all weather conditions.

Shifting smaller, slower aircraft operations to the northern runway will enable better use of the existing runway and aprons by larger aircraft.

The smaller aircraft provide links to New Zealand’s provincial cities, regional towns and communities.