The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines.  

Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North.  

Under aviation laws, commercial flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.  

Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel.  

She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines. &nbsp;
Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North. &nbsp;
Under aviation laws, commercial flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel. &nbsp;
She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director on the Ōhakea Air Force based being greenlit as an alternative runway for commercial planes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6d2b594b-11dc-4812-bc5d-b3fc0169c6d9/transcript