History
The original airport opened in 1933 with the New Plymouth Airport Act. It had five runways, the longest of which was around 5000 ft. During World War II, the airport became RNZAF Bell Block Airbase. Post war, the airport returned to civilian use, and was used by New Zealand National Airways Corporation with links to Whenuapai (Auckland) and Paraparaumu (Wellington).
In line with a general improvement throughout the 1950s and 1960s, of New Zealand's infrastructure, and National Airways Corporation (NZNAC) acquisition of Fokker F27 Friendships, New Plymouth's airport was reviewed. In view of the undulating land, the need for a tarmac runway for the F27, and the clearer approach paths required, a new airfield was soon under construction at the end of Brown Road (recently renamed Airport Drive). During construction of the airport, a small hill at the west end of the runway had to be levelled off, due to take-off and landing path infringements. This was rather controversial, due to said hill being a Māori burial ground. The government of the day decided to go ahead with construction anyway, and despite protests, the hill was levelled. Part of it still remains. The airport opened in 1966, replacing a grass airfield 3 km southwest, which is now industrial land. The foundation stone from the original airport, and a stone commemorating RNZAF Bell Block, were moved to the new airport when it opened.
The original terminal was renovated during the 1990s. The observation deck upstairs was lost at this time, and the outside observation area was lost in 2005, due to rising security concerns worldwide. Like many other regional airports in New Zealand, New Plymouth airport has enjoyed considerable passenger growth over the past ten years. From 132,600 in 1997 to just under 250,000 for the year to December 2006. Passenger numbers are expected to increase by a further 10% to more than 275,000 for the 2007 calendar year.
By the end of 2012 the larger ATR 72 aircraft will provide a service to Auckland due to the demands of passenger numbers.
Read more about this topic: New Plymouth Airport
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