Supreme Court rules against Wellington Airport

The Herald reports:

Wellington Airport’s plans to extend its runway have suffered a blow after pilots have won a Supreme Court case over safety areas required.

The action followed a series of court cases over the airport’s proposal to extend its runway.

Earlier this year, the Court of Appeal determined that international civil aviation law, as applied in New Zealand law, required a 240m long safety area, or such shorter distance as is practicable, and not less than 90 metres.

Basically the Court of Appeal said that costs should not really come into the decision making. If 240 metres is practical, then it should be 240 metres. The Supreme Court has been a bit more nuanced saying cost is part of assessing whether it is practical, but shouldn’t be the main factor.

It is possible that the CAA could reconsider the Wellington Airport extension and find that 90 metres (the status quo) is acceptable. This is unlikely though – but possible.

So it is likely the Wellington Airport extension has become (even more) unaffordable and will not happen. The ruling also has implications on all other airports. Basically if they ever want to expand, then they are likely to need a RESA of 240 metres rather than 90 metres.