Queenstown Airport has recently published its 2025 Sustainability Report, reporting a 76% reduction in organisational greenhouse gas emissions since its 2019 baseline.
The report, published in 2025, covers airport operations serving the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago regions and includes climate-related disclosures supported by an accompanying Carbon Footprint Report.
The airport says it remains on track to achieve an 85% reduction in organisational emissions by 2028.
Chief executive Shane O’Hare said the report focuses on accountability and measured outcomes. “Our holistic approach to sustainability recognises that people, planet, and prosperity are intertwined,”
Mr O’Hare said.
“This report is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the measurable difference that is making.”
A key driver of emissions reductions was the upgrade of the terminal’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system. The airport confirmed the system is now fully electric, and the diesel boiler previously used for pre-heating has been permanently decommissioned. The change reduces on-site fossil fuel use across core terminal infrastructure.
The report also documents the completion of a comprehensive climate-related risk and opportunity assessment. General Manager Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Sara Irvine said the work supports long-term resilience and risk management.
“It is vital that we operate sustainably and build long-term resilience. A key priority for us is to understand, plan, and adapt to the impacts of climate change on our business,”
Ms Irvine said.
The report outlines continued engagement with regional partners, including a new partnership with Remarkables Station National Trust Ltd to restore native forest across 100 hectares of farmland near the Remarkables.
Queenstown Airport also established the ZQN Community Fund during the reporting year. The fund distributed $50,000 in one-off grants to grassroots organisations in its first year and is administered by the 45South Community Foundation.
The Sustainability Report brings together emissions performance, climate risk planning, and community investment as part of the airport’s public operational reporting.