Wellington Airport back in the black

WELLINGTON: Wellington Airport’s latest financial results show the company has returned to profit despite a ‘‘rollercoaster’’ 12 months for the aviation sector.

This year’s annual review and financial results paint a picture of recovery. The airport made an aftertax profit of $3 million for the year ended March 31.

This compares with a net loss after tax of $35.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2021, after the airport’s passenger numbers plummeted to just 1% of usual levels due to the Covid19 pandemic.

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said it was pleasing to end this most recent year on a positive note, with the reopening of international borders and full flights connecting travellers.

He described the past 12 months as a rollercoaster.

Domestically, the airport reached a high of 93% of preCovid travel in July last year, but due to another nationwide lockdown this number dropped back to 2% in August.

The recovery from this was hindered by the arrival of the Omicron variant, which again significantly affected New Zealanders’ ability and willingness to travel.

Mr Clarke said there were just 48,667 international passengers, due to the impacts of Covid19.

‘‘There are good reasons for optimism. We welcomed back transtasman flights in March and more international flights are being reintroduced over the next few months by Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Fiji Airways. It’s great to see the terminal busy and buzzing again.’’

With every challenge came an opportunity, such as advancing plans to implement the airport master plan and terminal expansion, he said. — The New Zealand Herald