Key facts
- Fact 01
Airlines have scheduled 22 more flights than for last year's marathon: 16 from Air New Zealand, four from Jetstar and two from Qantas.
- Fact 02
About 5,000 passengers are due to arrive at Queenstown Airport on Thursday 12 November, the busiest arrivals day.
- Fact 03
About 5,100 passengers are forecast to fly out of Queenstown on Sunday 15 November, the departure peak.
Queenstown Airport expects nearly 54,000 passenger movements between Wednesday 11 November and Monday 16 November 2026, as runners and supporters fly in for the NZ Sotheby's International Queenstown Marathon on Saturday 14 November. We read the airport's media release, dated 11 November, and every figure below comes from it.
The airport says that is about 6% more passenger movements than over the same period for last year's marathon. Airlines have scheduled 22 more flights than last year: Air New Zealand is adding 16, Jetstar four and Qantas two.
Thursday 12 November is expected to be the busiest day for arrivals, with about 5,000 passengers due to fly into Queenstown. The departure peak is expected on Sunday 15 November, when about 5,100 passengers are forecast to fly out.
The airport's advice for anyone travelling over the weekend is to allow a little extra time, be patient during the busiest periods and check your airline's advice about when to arrive for your flight. It says traffic congestion to and from the airport is likely, and that terminal parking will be in high demand, so people flying out are encouraged to use Park & Ride at Brookes Road or get a ride to the airport.
Runners register at the Queenstown Events Centre, and the airport says a walking route from the terminal to the Events Centre will be well signposted.
If you are planning how to get into town, our airport to town guide compares the options, and our car free stay guide covers getting around Queenstown once you arrive.
Questions visitors are asking
When is Queenstown Airport busiest over marathon weekend?
Queenstown Airport expects Thursday 12 November to be the busiest arrivals day, with about 5,000 passengers flying in. The departure peak is expected on Sunday 15 November, when about 5,100 passengers are forecast to fly out, the day after the Queenstown Marathon on Saturday 14 November.
How many people will pass through Queenstown Airport for the marathon?
Queenstown Airport expects nearly 54,000 passenger movements between Wednesday 11 and Monday 16 November 2026, about 6% more than the same period for last year's marathon. Airlines have added 22 more flights than last year, with 16 from Air New Zealand, four from Jetstar and two from Qantas.
Should I park at Queenstown Airport when flying out that weekend?
Queenstown Airport says terminal parking will be in high demand over marathon weekend and traffic congestion to and from the airport is likely. It encourages people flying out to use Park & Ride at Brookes Road or get a ride to the airport, and to allow extra time for the journey.
How do runners get from Queenstown Airport to marathon registration?
Runners register at the Queenstown Events Centre, and Queenstown Airport says a walking route from the terminal to the Events Centre will be well signposted. The airport is working with the marathon organisers, and race day for the Queenstown Marathon is Saturday 14 November 2026.