Rescue Fire Unit manager and longest-serving employee Bill Wrigley, who has worked at the airport for 20 years, flicked the switch on the Christmas tree, marking the start of the airport's busiest festive season yet.
Mr Wrigley is one of more than 300 people who work at the airport, including those employed at about 60 tenant businesses.
Queenstown Airport chief executive Steve Sanderson said the company valued the support both of its own team and the various businesses operating inside the terminal building and within the airport perimeter.
"Everyone has contributed to a great year so far. In our peak winter week, we had 5244 visitors coming through the airport," he said.
As a major player in the tourism sector, the airport was looking forward to contributing to a wonderful summer for Queenstown and its visitors, he said.
