Invercargill Airport is set to begin a major runway upgrade in mid-January 2026, aimed at strengthening the safety and long-term resilience of its air services. The project is part of a regular 15-year renewal cycle and will help future-proof the region’s critical air transport links.
To reduce disruption to travellers, the work will take place at night over around thirty evenings. This schedule has been designed to keep daytime flights running smoothly, although it may cause some after-hours noise for nearby residents.
Invercargill Airport is aware of the temporary inconvenience and has expressed gratitude to the community for its understanding as the upgrade gets underway. The airport has emphasised that the works are vital to maintain Southland’s connections with the rest of the country and beyond.
Chief Executive Stuart Harris said, “Investing in our runway is essential for protecting our long-term connectivity and ensuring we continue to meet the highest safety standards. This upgrade is a clear signal of confidence in our region and our role in supporting business, tourism, and community access. We know the night works will cause some short-term disruption for our neighbours, and for this, we are genuinely sorry. We appreciate the understanding of our community as we carry out work that will benefit Southland for many years to come.”
Construction firm Fulton Hogan has been selected to carry out the project, with a specialist resurfacing crew set to travel from Christchurch. The team will work alongside Invercargill-based staff and bring experience from similar upgrades at other major airports around New Zealand.
To ensure the community stays informed, Invercargill Airport will host a private community meeting in the coming week. The session will allow residents to learn more about the upgrade, ask questions, and understand what to expect during the work period.
The airport team has thanked Southland residents for their ongoing support, noting that their cooperation will help the region continue to move forward with a stronger and more reliable air service.