Published date: 17 September 2021

The Civil Aviation Authority has completed its safety-focused review of Rotorua Regional Airport Limited’s assessment that air traffic control services should remain at the airport.

The aeronautical study prepared for the airport company found retaining an air traffic control service at Rotorua Airport was needed to ensure appropriate safety standards were being met.

After independently reviewing the aeronautical study and its assessment, the CAA has determined that retaining an air traffic control service is necessary to maintain safety standards at Rotorua Airport, which has a mix of commercial, tourism, and recreational activity.

Aeronautical Services Manager Sean Rogers said the CAA’s determination came after a comprehensive review of the airport-commissioned study and had included consideration of the underlying methods which had been used in the airport’s assessment.

“Aeronautical studies are an important process to assess aviation risk and determine how those risks are best managed to maximise the safety of the travelling public,” Mr Rogers said.

“The CAA’s role is to ensure appropriate safety standards are being met by airport operators which enable safe aviation and manage the risks involved with operating a busy mixed-use airfield.

“Our teams thoroughly assessed the aeronautical study presented by Rotorua Airport and our determination was consistent with the study, which recommended air traffic services remain.”

The CAA’s determination comes after a thorough consultation process with interested parties, which included airline and flight companies, airport staff, air traffic control staff and other airspace users.

Notes to the editor:

  • The CAA’s assessment of the Rotorua Airport aeronautical study and the appropriate level of air traffic risk management was based on the current aerodrome operating environment and level of activity at Rotorua Airport.

Please contact the CAA media team for further information:

027 763 0000 | media@caa.govt.nz