<h2 class="blog-hed2 pb-lg-4 pb-3 text-lg-center">History of Dunedin International Airport</h2>
<p class="blog-para">Air New Zealand Boeing 737-300 touching down on Runway 21, while an Air New Zealand Airbus A320-200 waits on the taxiway.</p>
<p class="blog-para">The old Taieri airfield was not economic to expand to cater for the growth in air travel expected in the future. Construction of the present airport was completed in 1962, and its primary use was to cater for passengers of short haul aircraft. NZNAC started Fokker Friendship services immediately upon opening with Vickers Viscount services starting in December 1962. A large new hangar was completed in 1963. Mount Cook Airlines operated to Dunedin from March 1966 to July 1991. NAC started Boeing 737 services to Dunedin in December 1968. Automatic sliding doors were provided in the terminal in 1969 with a Rothmans clock being installed in the terminal in 1971 and the toilets being expanded that same year. A new mezzanine floor and aircraft viewing deck were installed in 1974. The airport was the scene of a hostage crisis on 19 December 1979 when two borstal escapees held a police officer in the control tower.</p>
<p class="blog-para">Air New Zealand used to fly to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney until it divested responsibility to Virgin in 2010. Virgin ceased flights to Melbourne and Sydney in 2014, and has withdrawn from the 4 weekly (VA120/123) Brisbane route since March 2020. At the moment the airport has no international services. The airport's name was changed from Dunedin International Airport to Dunedin Airport in 2015.</p>
<h2 class="blog-hed2 pb-lg-4 pb-3">Transportation from Dunedin International Airport</h2>
<ul>
<li class="blog-li"><strong>Shuttle:</strong> A shuttle (opens in new window) is a cost-effective way to travel into the city.</li>
</ul>
<p class="blog-para">Discounts apply if two or more people are travelling together. Shuttles are normally shared with other passenger groups. The journey can take up to 45 minutes at peak traffic times or when there are several drop-offs along the way. Allow plenty of time to reach the airport for departing flights. Please note that the price can vary depending on your destination.</p>
<ul>
<li class="blog-li"><strong>ShuttleTaxi:</strong> The above fare and travel time are for taxi journeys between the airport and the city centre. If you&rsquo;re travelling to the airport by taxi, make sure you allow plenty of time.</li>
<li class="blog-li"><strong>ShuttleCar rental:</strong> Major rental car companies have offices at the terminal building. Bookings are strongly recommended. Dunedin Airport (opens in new window). And for driving times to other parts of the country, why not use our travel time and distance calculator.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="img-fluid p-lg-0 rounded w-100" title="History of Dunedin International Airport" src="../../main/img/airport/dun/21.webp" alt="History of Dunedin International Airport"></p>