Westport Airport

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New Zealand Airports

Westport Airport is a regional airport located in the Buller District of New Zealand’s South Island (IATA: WSZ, ICAO: NZWS). Serving Westport and the wider Kawatiri region, the airport is positioned approximately 8 km southwest of the town center, with a driving time of around five to ten minutes.

Flight Services & Airlines

As of May 2026, Westport Airport is currently without scheduled commercial passenger flights following recent airline service changes.

• Following the end of Sounds Air’s nine-year operation on the Wellington–Westport route in December 2024, Originair commenced services in January 2025.

• After operating the route for more than a year, Originair discontinued scheduled flights effective May 1, 2026, citing increased operational expenses and rising fuel costs.

• Prior to these services, Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Airways operated regular flights using Beechcraft 1900D aircraft until April 2015.

• During the early 2000s, Air West Coast linked Westport with Greymouth, Christchurch, and Wellington. These services ended in June 2008 because of limited passenger demand.

Historical Overview

Aviation services have played an important role in the Buller region since the mid-20th century. Scheduled operations began in 1947 when Air Travel introduced services connecting Westport with Nelson and Hokitika. These routes were later absorbed by the National Airways Corporation (NAC), which operated Dragon Rapide aircraft on regional connections to Wellington.

In March 1952, NAC introduced Douglas DC-3 “Dakota” aircraft on the Westport–Nelson–Wellington route, significantly increasing passenger capacity and operational capability.

Passenger traffic continued to rise through the 1960s. In the year ending March 1966, the airport recorded 7,557 passengers, compared with 6,615 during the previous year.

To support newer turboprop operations, the runway was sealed in October 1970. The upgrade enabled Fokker Friendship services operating six days weekly on a route linking Christchurch, Hokitika, Westport, Nelson, and Wellington.

Technical Facilities

Westport Airport supports both regional and general aviation operations with the following infrastructure:

• Elevation: 13 feet (4 m) above mean sea level

• Runway: One asphalt runway designated 04/22 measuring 1,280 meters (4,200 feet)

• Lighting: Pilot Activated Lighting (PAL) system available on frequency 119.1 for after-hours aircraft operations

• Facilities: Passenger terminal amenities and on-site Avgas and Jet A1 fuel services available through a 24-hour swipe-card system