Queenstown Airport finance and property manager Karen Castiglione sits in the new $60,000 internet hub for passengers in the terminal building. Photo by James Beech.

Getting flight updates and whiling away time before departures are easier for passengers now 16 public computers have been installed at Queenstown Airport.

The internet lounge is nestled in the "old terminal" block of the airport and was fitted out last week in a $60,000 project. It replaces the six computer desks removed to make way for the expansion of the check-in hall.

Users can view the Queenstown Airport website free of charge and if they want to view other internet websites, they can buy surfing time from the administration office and Milford Sound Scenic Flights booking desk.

The terminals are housed in a removable module in case the area is needed for another purpose in the future.

Public telephones which used to be located in the area have been moved to the baggage claim hall.

Airport finance and property manager Karen Castiglione said the new, improved facility was proving popular.

"It was extremely busy on Saturday with all the diversions and cancellations [due to poor weather]."

The Lakes District Museum will supply historical interpretation panels to decorate the internet lounge.

The panels will chronicle the airport's progress from an airstrip in the 1930s to the international hub it is today.