It has been called a game changer, with Queenstown night flights set to provide a major tourism boost for the city.
Millions of dollars will be spent on runway widening and lighting, with the extended operating hours to begin next winter.
But the Airline Pilots' Association isn't happy and has concerns around the safeguards in place for landing and departing in the tricky mountainous terrain.
Senior technical officer Dave Reynolds joined Paul Henry in studio this morning.
Watch the video for the full interview.
