New Zealand Gov’t axes Tokelau Airport plans

By Andrew Curran.

The New Zealand Government has axed plans to build an airport at remote Tokelau, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

The outlet cites a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson, who said the high cost of the project and constrained fiscal environment had scuttled the plan.

Home to around 2,600 people, Tokelau is a self-governing New Zealand territory made up of three atolls only accessible from Western Samoa via boat – a trip that takes over 24 hours one way and only operates fortnightly.

The New Zealand Government has toyed with the idea of constructing at airport at Tokelau for several years, spending around NZD3 million (USD1.8 million) on early stage planning and design.

A November 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade document said the concept design for the Tokelau airstrip included an 800 x 30-metre-wide runway.

“The project is currently in the design phase,” the document reads. “There is no planned or expected start date for the construction of the Tokelau airstrip, (and) there is currently no expected finish date.”

In September 2025, the ministry called gave formal notice of an intention to call for expressions of interest to construct the airport.

“Consideration is being given to the possibility of establishing air services to Tokelau,” the notice read.

The ministry's spokesperson said the New Zealand Government recognised that many residents of Tokelau wanted an airport and air connection, however, the cost could not be justified.

Aero South Pacific has contacted the Tokelau Government for comment.

Photo: National Airports Corporation.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com