RIF to strengthen Hamilton Airport’s resilience
Published: 26 March, 2026
A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support the extension of Hamilton Airport’s runway, increasing its capacity to support a wider range of aircraft and strengthen the resilience of the national aviation network during emergencies.
The upgrade will be funded by a $6.5 million RIF loan, and co-funded with $3.3 million from Waikato Regional Airport Limited, a council-controlled organisation owned by five local councils.
Hamilton’s location and close proximity to major highways and link roads make it a key hub for moving people and freight domestically and internationally.
The Waikato region is also home to several of New Zealand’s largest advanced manufacturers and value-added primary sector exporters that depend on resilient freight infrastructure.
The expansion work includes extending the runway by 255 metres to 2,450 metres, expanding the runway apron and turning bay, and upgrading the approach and runway lights. The work will also enable any further future extension of the runway.
The construction work is expected to create up to 39 jobs, with local people hired where possible.