Work begins on upgrade to Whanganui Airport terminal

Published on 14 August 2023

Whanganui Airport’s terminal is set to have its deteriorating roof replaced as part of a planned upgrade to several areas of airport infrastructure.

The work, being done by local contractor W&W Construction, started on 9 August with the installation of scaffolding to support a construction envelope that will keep the building watertight during the re-roofing process. All roof replacement work is expected to be completed by 8 November 2023.

Whanganui Airport manager, Phil McBride, says, “While people will notice this work is taking place, passenger and visitor access to the terminal area and its services – including Café JARS – will remain available as usual during the entire re-roofing process. The airport’s carpark facility will also remain open as usual.

“Temporary entry and exit points into the terminal area have been prominently displayed, and the drop-off area for vehicles in front of the terminal is still available for use.

“Our aim is to minimise any possible disruption to people using the airport’s transiting areas and facilities during the work, while also maintaining the levels of accessibility and service to one of Whanganui’s most valuable community assets,” Phil McBride says.

Other imminent airport infrastructure upgrades include an exterior repaint of the terminal building while the scaffolding for the new roof is in place, and the resealing of the airport’s runway that is scheduled to begin in early October.

All infrastructure upgrades, including the terminal’s replacement roof, are being co-funded through a Whanganui Airport joint venture between Whanganui District Council and Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport.