Government funding has been approved to begin construction on the lengthening and strengthening the runway at Chatham Islands (Tuuta) Airport.
The upgrade will mean the airport and its runway could be used by Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 jet aircraft.
Chatham Islands Airport confirmed the announcement on Wednesday and said the funding is in addition to that previously approved to complete a pre-construction design process.
Downer New Zealand and BECA have been chosen to manage the project.
The runway will be extended at the western end from 1360m to 1850m. Strengthening will allow up to 30 departures per month.
Construction is due to begin in late August, with completion of the runway component of the project to be completed by July, 2022.
The airport project is part of a wider Chatham Islands Investment Strategy designed to support sustainable growth on the islands.
