Another milestone and another accolade for Tauranga Airport – domestic travelers think it's the best.

Tauranga's the eighth busiest airport in the country, the third busiest for general aviation and recent statistics showed there were 50,000 flight movements in just one year, with over 430,000 passengers arriving and departing.

It's also a Tauranga City Council owned business that is self-sustaining – there's no call on the ratepayer.

Today we can add to that Canstar Blue's 2020 Most Satisfied Customers Award for domestic airports. The airport has received a five-star rating for overall satisfaction, waiting areas and communication, as well as four stars for facilities, parking and ease of check-in.

Tauranga stole the award off some major contenders such as Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and Wellington.

Tauranga Airport CEO, Ray Dumble says winning the Customer Satisfaction Award was the best praise the airport could get.

'We take great pride in putting our customers first, and to win this award during a year of major construction is testament to the effort our staff put into minimising disruption to travelers.”

The original terminal was constructed in 1967, and $12.7 million redevelopment was completed last year. It doubled size of the terminal, making room for a larger lounge, new check-in area and café. It also meant passengers didn't have to walk so far to and from their aircraft,

'The focus was to create a space that both customers and staff enjoyed, and this award is proof we have achieved that,” says Ray.

With the terminal upgrade done, a plan has been approved to expand the car rental depot and the number of car parks.

Canstar Blue airport ratings are at https://www.canstarblue.co.nz/travel/domestic-airports/