At its April meeting, Alpine Council approved a second variation of the runway extension and a change to the surface treatment from asphalt to a spray seal, after initial works uncovered poor subgrade conditions which weren't identified through a geotechnical survey.

Alpine Council mayor Sarah Nicholas said the change back to a spray seal surface, which was the original specification, won't impact the functionality of the runway.

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"We have found that the subgrade quality under the runway extension will be more costly to address than anticipated when the construction contract was awarded," she said.

"This change to a more cost-effective surface treatment will ensure we can stabilise the ground underneath the runway and achieve a great result for airport users, the community and visitors."

Alpine Council expected the project to be completed by spring.

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