Global Airport News

Christchurch Airport was closed within minutes of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake hitting the city on February 22. The airport issued blunt warnings: stay away – we need the roads for emergency traffic.
The airport has not suffered any major buildings damage and a spokesperson said "the terminal buildings and airport control tower remain intact." But that's not the full story. In the city, roads are buckled due to the nature of the quake: strong and close to the surface, it caused a "wave" which has thrust the earth up.
Therefore runways and taxiways must be carefully inspected for more than cracking: disruption of the sub-soil may present hidden weaknesses.
The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines ceased services to Christchurch following the earthquake. Virgin Blue Group Executive Operations Sean Donohue said: “We are awaiting information from the airport and other regulatory authorities about the state of the runway; infrastructure and electricity to the airport before we can make any assessment about re-commencing services."
Later on February 23, Air New Zealand announced that "scheduled domestic and international services are operating, and Air New Zealand has recommenced both international and domestic services into and out of Christchurch today."
Air New Zealand has added additional capacity out of Christchurch to meet the needs of family, friends and emergency services. The flights have seats available at the NZD$50 fare and the airlines is using its widebody aircraft, including Boeing 747 and 777.
The airport opened its new 'integrated terminal' in January. Although a significant tourism gateway, it is still part of a small, close community. When the new terminal was being readied for operation, the airport sent out a message asking residents to bring their bags to the airport so the new baggage handling system could be tested.