Why Queenstown, New Zealand, Is Such A Challenging Airport To Fly Into

From its remarkable scenery to its challenging approach, we look at what it takes to land at Queenstown International Airport.

Queenstown Airport Terminal — Photo: Adwo/Shutterstock

Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) is located on the South Island of New Zealand. The region is globally renowned for its remarkable landscape, great wine, and abundant winter and summer activities. Tourists flock to the area. However, many may not realize the skill required to arrive and land an aircraft at ZQN.

The Central Otago airport is located in the neighboring town of Frankton, 8km (4.9 miles) from the Queenstown CBD, frequently rated as one of the top ten most stunning airport approaches in the world. Those who may have experienced it will note the beautiful landscape and towering mountain ranges surrounding the aircraft as it descends toward the runway.

Photo: Queenstown Airport

The mountain range of ‘The Remarkables’ towers 6,000ft (1.8km) above the airport, with passengers usually unaware of the skill required to navigate the numerous valleys and surrounding peaks that frame the region. Qantas captain Justin Roberts commented on his experience at the airport:

“To fly into Queenstown, we need to follow a fairly long and convoluted approach to get us down the valleys to be able to land.

“The terrain means it is not a typical landing approach,”

Depending on conditions and decided approach, aircraft will navigate above mountain ridges for up to ten minutes before approaching while descending over the top of the local ski field Coronet Peak, the Crown Range, or across Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown CBD.

Simple Flying friend Sam Chui recently took a flight to this New Zealand airport, and documented the experience in only the way Sam can. Enjoy his account in the video below:

Photo: Queenstown Airport

Unique terrain

The region’s unique terrain makes the area very popular with tourists. However, it provides challenges for large aircraft. Pilots landing at the airport require specialized simulator training and must be able to execute a successful approach under the supervision of training captains. On approach through the numerous valleys, a Required Navigation Performance (RPN) system is used.

Using an RPN calculates data using a satellite to facilitate a set track during the approach, monitoring aircraft vertical and lateral movement. Mountain ranges reaching 6,000ft (1.8km) high surrounding the airport, and then a lake to the south creates complexity for the airport that sits 1171ft (357 meters) above sea level.

Photo: Queenstown Airport

Connections on offer

A range of airlines operates at Queenstown International Airport, offering tourist flights and domestic and international services. International flights are operated by the Boeing 737-800 or Airbus A320/A320neo/A321. Operations available are:

Air Milford