NZ Herald Aviation writer Grant Bradley says that at the very least, Auckland Airport has one job – to make sure planes can land and take off. 

Acknowledging that the airport is much more than just a runway operator, he says that recent “abrupt runway closures” have put a spotlight on the airport and allowed critics to raise questions about whether the company has correctly prioritised attention for its sole runway. 

Bradley highlights the costs to airlines of the disruptions, reputational damage from disgruntled passengers and damage to New Zealand’s international reputation (damaged in 2017 as a result of the fuel pipeline rupture). 

He questions whether it is time to consider closer regulatory oversight for airports, suggesting that might encourage Auckland Airport to take its runway responsibilities more seriously. 

Read more HERE.