10 September 2010

Christchurch Airport praised for swift response

Christchurch Airport has received many messages of support from international airport companies who have praised their swift response to the major earthquake on Saturday 4 September. The airport re-opened seven hours after the quake and has remained open and fully operational ever since (aside from the Domestic Terminal for three hours early on Tuesday morning). Most flights are running on schedule with no delays.

"Our top priority is safety and the airport buildings and runways are assessed several times a day to ensure passenger safety," said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. "Most tourism operators are back in business, and we want to let people know that they can continue with plans to visit Canterbury."

Services in Christchurch city have been restored to most homes and schools will re-open next week. The city’s water has been declared safe to drink.

98% of tourism operators in the Christchurch and Canterbury area are open and fully functional with no significant damage.

"It’s been very heartening to see the resilience of people in Christchurch, and also to receive support and help from other airports," said Jim Boult. "Auckland Airport has sent us four of their tradesmen to help our staff who have been working non-stop since the major quake. The city and the country have all pulled together and it’s been a great example of well New Zealand can handle a major natural disaster."