Regional airports will be able to use more flexible and potentially lower-cost runway safety measures under a new civil aviation rule announced by the Government.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager said the rule would replace what he described as a one-size-fits-all approach to runway end safety areas, known as RESAs.

RESAs provide emergency stopping space at the end of runways to reduce the risk of damage or injury when an aircraft overruns or undershoots.

Under the existing rules, airports have faced the same minimum requirements regardless of their size or the types of aircraft using their runways.

Meager said the requirements had created unnecessary costs for some smaller operators and prevented regional airports from expanding.

“Until now, New Zealand’s rules have enforced a one-size-fits-all requirement, no matter the size of the airport or aircraft using it,” he said.

“This has halted the growth of some of our smaller operators, who cannot afford the same costs as our largest airports.”

The new rule will allow shorter runway end safety areas at smaller airports and streamline the approval process for proposed RESA lengths.

Airports will also be able to consider aircraft arresting systems, which are designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway.

Meager said the systems could provide a safe and more affordable alternative in locations where extending a runway safety area was not economically viable.

“This provides operators with a practical and safe alternative to adding extra length, which is costly and not economically viable for all,” he said.

The Government said the changes would align New Zealand more closely with international aviation standards while supporting regional aviation and tourism.

Meager said allowing a wider range of aircraft to land safely at provincial airports could encourage airport development, improve access to isolated markets and strengthen regional supply chains.

He said the reform was part of the Government’s wider programme to modernise New Zealand’s civil aviation rules and reduce unnecessary compliance costs.

“It is the exact sort of work from the Civil Aviation Authority that I’m proud to oversee: practical, common-sense changes with long-term benefits,” Meager said.