CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

History of Christchurch International Airport

In 1935, the local council decided to locate a new aerodrome at Harewood as the best site for Christchurch. Development of the aerodrome at Harewood commenced in 1936 when 227 hectares of land was purchased. In 1937, a 915-metre runway and a 60 square metre terminal were constructed. In 1940, the airport became RNZAF Station Harewood. By 1946 the form of the terminal area development was established with hangars, a small terminal building, the water tower and some barracks buildings. In 1950, Christchurch Airport received clearance for international operations from the government. The two runways and parallel taxiway concept was established in 1953–runway 02/20 at 2,012 metres and 11/29 at 1,741 metres. In 1954, TEAL introduced Douglas DC-6 aircraft to its trans-Tasman services. In February 1960, a new terminal building, designed by architect Paul Pascoe, was brought into operation.

In April 2011, Air Asia X commenced Airbus A330 services to Kuala Lumpur; these were short lived, ending in May 2012. China Airlines operated seasonal flights from Taipei via Sydney with Airbus A330 aircraft from December 2014 to 2018. An unusual irregular visitor is Uzbekistan Airways, which operates Boeing 767 charters from Tashkent via Kuala Lumpur carrying Russian fishing crews. In April 2023, United Airlines announced plans to begin non-stop service from San Francisco on 1 December. This service will be the only flight connecting North America with the South Island.

Ground Transportation from Christchurch International Airport

The main access road into the airport connects to both Russley Road (State Highway 1) and Memorial Avenue at a diamond interchange. The distance from the airport to the city centre is roughly 10 km (6.2 mi).

A drop off and pick up area called 'The Loop' is situated on the ground floor of the multi-level car park building. A number of different taxi and shuttle companies operate services from the airport terminals.

Three different city bus routes service the airport terminal: the number 3 route to the central city via Avonhead and Riccarton, continuing to Sumner; the number 29 route to the central city via Fendalton.

• Bus: The bus services are available just outside of the airport terminal for $4 Adult, but this is a 5minute walk from Christchurch Airport.
• Shuttle: A shuttle is a group taxi – shared with other passengers travelling to various destinations. The fare depends on how many people are travelling but an approximate cost is $19 for the first person and an additional $5 for every person after that. Shuttles can take approximately 30 minutes to reach your destination, but is a door-to-door service.
• Taxi: Taxis licensed to operate from the airport are required to meet the airport company’s service standards. If you’re travelling to the airport by taxi, make sure you allow plenty of time.
• Car rental: Major rental car companies operate from the terminal building. Bookings are strongly recommended.

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