The New Zealand government has approved NZD4.6 million New Zealand dollar (USD2.7 million) grant for air traffic service provider Airways New Zealand to enable 24/7 air traffic control services at Ohakea. This allows the military airbase to serve as an alternate airport for widebody aircraft unable to land at Auckland International or Christchurch. The upgrade completes an objective of the national aviation action plan unveiled in September 2025, and aims to facilitate higher airline reliability.