Government launches first national aviation plan
- Media Statement
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
The below release was originally published on the NZ Airports Association website.
16 September 2025
NZ Airports today welcomed the release of the Government’s Aviation Action Plan – the first coordinated national strategy for aviation.
The plan was developed by the Interim Aviation Council, which included NZ Airports and Auckland International Airport among its members. It sets a shared direction for a safe, sustainable and innovative aviation system that enables growth and strengthens New Zealand as an aviation nation.
Billie Moore, Chief Executive of NZ Airports, said the plan is an important opportunity to align industry and government efforts.
“This is the first time that government and industry have come together to set out a long-term strategy for aviation.
“New Zealand relies on aviation to connect our people and businesses, to support tourism and trade, and to deliver essential regional services. Despite this, the sector has often been a footnote in transport policy due to the heavy focus on land transport in the Crown budget.
“The Government deserves huge credit for elevating the role of aviation in its economic growth strategy.”
The Aviation Action Plan addresses several areas of particular importance to the airport community:
A two-year civil aviation rule-making programme to make the regulatory environment more agile and responsive, while maintaining high safety and security standards.
A new indicator framework to track the health of the aviation system, providing data on costs, efficiency, and performance to guide better decision-making.
As confirmed in a previous announcement from Ministers Jones and Meager, support for vulnerable regional routes through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, including concessionary finance for aircraft and IT investment to enable interlining between regional carriers and larger airlines.
A greater focus on future infrastructure requirements, including integrated airspace planning to support busier and more diverse air operators.
Collaboration with Australia on a regional Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) strategy to support the transition to cleaner energy.
The Action Plan was a major recommendation from the 2023 Air Navigation Systems (ANS) review, which highlighted the public good role of aviation in New Zealand, and the need for future investment.
“We would like to acknowledge the Ministers who progressed the ANS review, and Minister Meager who has delivered this plan. We hope this work will have bipartisan support so that aviation remains a national priority.”
NZ Airports will continue to work with Government and industry partners to deliver the plan’s initial commitments.
