Masterton airport runway falls short of gaining safety credential

Despite a multimillion-dollar upgrade to Masterton’s airport, the runway has failed to achieve safety standards required by most passenger aircrafts.

In a report to council, chief executive of Masterton District Council Kym Fell said aircraft with more than 30 seats could not operate from Hood Aerodrome because the current proposal for a 90m Runway End Safety Area (RESA) did not meet the threshold set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Duane Emeny, the chief executive of Air Chathams which had expressed interest in establishing a regional airlink with Masterton, said it was a disappointing that the airport had not gained RESA certification.

The RESA, situated where the runway finishes, was expected to be a distance of 240m or greater where practicable — a rule the CAA enforced.

When a 240m length could not be done, the aerodrome operator must provide evidence supporting the next most practicable RESA length.

Fell said the CAA had outlined areas requiring "further refinement" in the council’s runway proposal, including "more robust analysis, clearer presentation of alternatives and mitigations, and updated technical and financial data aligned with current regulatory standards".

"While their feedback offers guidance for any future submission, it’s important to note that further investment in the RESA proposal may not be prudent," he said.

"The threshold for approval is high, the costs significant, and there is no guarantee of success."

He said smaller aircraft services with 30 seats or fewer could continue to operate.

Emeny said Air Chathams was open to considering a change to its Saab fleet whereby the aircraft would be reduced from 34 to 30 seats.

"Despite losing four revenue seats per flight, there would be some improved operational efficiencies of making this change along with the opportunity to provide scheduled air services into Masterton," Emeny said.

"Air Chathams will review the options and continue to engage with the Wairarapa community and the regulator on a potential way forward."

Meanwhile, the council was continuing to explore other commercial opportunities such as developing hangars at Hood Aerodrome.

Fell said this work was part of a broader strategy to "unlock commercial opportunities and better activate this strategic regional asset".

He said initial assessments indicated that expanding hangar capacity could attract and retain a diverse range of users — including private aircraft owners, recreational flyers, small commercial operators, and aviation service providers.

"Improved hangar infrastructure would support long-term leasing and ground rental income, while generating broader economic benefits such as increased fuel sales, maintenance activity, and aviation tourism.

"This would contribute to a more vibrant and operationally active aerodrome, reinforcing Hood’s role as a gateway and economic contributor to the Wairarapa."

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air