A $32 million expansion of Nelson Airport is being planned to cope for an expected surge in passenger numbers.
The new Nelson Airport design Photo: Supplied
Starting later this year, the terminal will be redeveloped over two years to cater for the 1.4 million passengers a year projected to be passing through it by 2035.
In the past financial year 865,000 passengers passed through the terminal, which was built in 1974.
Airport chief executive Rob Evans said the cost of the redevelopment will be totally met by the company through external funding.
He said no ratepayer money would be sought, nor would there be any reduction in the annual dividend the airport paid to its shareholders - the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.
Mr Evans said the current number of car parking spaces would be tripled to 900, and more retail space will be created.
The new design for Nelson Airport. Photo: Supplied