Airfield Pavement Maintenance Works

Airfield Pavement Maintenance Works FAQs

• What is the Airfield Pavement Maintenance Works (APMW) Programme?

  The APMW is part of Christchurch Airport’s planned maintenance programme keeping key airfield infrastructure, including the main runway, taxiways, and aprons safe, reliable and ready for all aircraft.

  Although delivered annually, APMW is guided by a 20-year forward works plan to keep the airfield in good condition and reduce unexpected disruptions.

• When do APMW works occur?

  APMW is generally completed during the warmer months for optimal weather conditions, October–December and January–March.  Sometimes extra maintenance is needed outside these periods.

• Cross runway use

  Sometimes, while we work on the main runway (RWY 02/20), aircraft will be directed to use the cross runway (RWY11/29). This is a normal part of the works programme and allows us to keep the airport operating while works take place.

  You may notice more flights on the cross runway during these times, even without nor-west winds. Generally, aircraft will fly over the city to land towards the west and will depart towards the west. We plan works to reduce impacts where possible.

• Does maintenance always close the main runway?

  No. Often, the runway remains open reducing its length during the works. Maintenance might also happen on taxiways, aprons, or other parts of the airfield without affecting main runway operations.

• How often is the main runway closed for APMW?

  Main runway closures are often minimal—and in some years, there are none at all—though occasionally several are needed. The schedule depends on the type and location of maintenance needed.

• Why maintenance happens while aircraft are operating

  Christchurch International Airport operates 24/7, so there’s no extended period in the current schedule when the airfield is completely inactive.

  To minimise disruption, APMW works are scheduled around the quietest times. Early Monday morning between 1:00 am and 5:00 am, is the longest window without scheduled aircraft movements— so works often start late Sunday night to make the most of this.

• Noise rules Christchurch Airport follows

  Christchurch Airport follows noise rules set in the Christchurch District Plan. Aircraft noise for the three busiest months of the year must not exceed 65 dBA Ldn outside the Noise Boundary. We check this every year and share the results in our annual noise monitoring reports here.

  Noise is measured in decibels (dB) on a logarithmic scale where each 10 dB increase sounds about twice as loud. Measurements of noise usually have a correction factor applied to reflect the sensitivity of the human ear called  “A-weighting,” shown as dBA. For aircraft noise, a measure called Ldn is used, which averages noise over a 24-hour period  with an additional 10 dBA imposed at night (10 pm–7 am) because people are more sensitive to noise and the surroundings are quieter at night.

• Why you might hear or see aircraft when no flights are scheduled

  Our arrivals and departures schedule only shows commercial passenger flights. We also host freight, training, United States Antarctic Programme operations, military, private, and emergency flights that aren’t listed.

• Why freight aircraft sound louder

  Freighter aircraft are often large jets, sometimes converted from older passenger planes, and built to carry heavy loads. Their bigger engines, and older designs mean they can be noisier than modern passenger aircraft, especially during take-off and landing. Learn more about the critical role freight plays in New Zealand here.  

• How to share a noise concern

  Use our online feedback form, or call +64 353 7700.

• Contact us about APMW

  Email enquiries@cial.co.nz from more information.