The capital's airport is planning 500-million-dollars worth of upgrades - including extending its runway to cater for bigger planes.
But the Board of Airline Representatives says most costs in civil aviation spending are funded by airlines through capital expenditure.
Chair, Cath O'Brien, says Wellington Airport's doing the right thing by ensuring a safe runway area.
She says whether that brings in more international services is another thing, as there's little demand due to the cost imposed on airlines.