No comment on omission

The Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) has declined to say why its consultant Arup did not consider the Sugarloaf Terrace near Lowburn as a possible alternative site for Queenstown Airport.

Arup considered 20 sites, including Hollyford, near Milford Sound, Ranfurly, Glenorchy and Omarama.

However, aviation interests concerned about development of Wanaka Airport questioned the omission of the Sugarloaf site.

QAC general manager property and planning Rachel Tregidga said yesterday Arup had extensive experience and the QAC was confident it took a "comprehensive approach".

"We do not plan to debate the merits of individual possible alternative locations on an ad hoc basis as this simply creates uncertainty for people living in that vicinity, when our approach is focused on complementary development of Queenstown and Wanaka airports."