was used by the New Zealand National Airways Corporation with links to Whenuapai (Auckland) and Paraparaumu (Wellington). In line with a general improvement of New Zealand's infrastructure throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and the National Airways Corporation (NZNAC) acquisition of Fokker F27 Friendships, New Plymouth's airport was reviewed. In view of the undulating land, the need for a tarmac runway for the F27, and the clearer approach paths required, a new airfield was soon under construction at the end of Brown Road (recently renamed Airport Drive). During construction of the airport, a small hill at the west end of the runway had to be levelled off, due to take-off and landing path infringements. This was rather controversial, due to said hill being a Māori burial ground. The government of the day decided to go ahead with construction anyway, and despite protests, the hill was levelled. Part of it still remains. The airport opened in 1966, replacing a grass airfield 3 km southwest, which is now industrial land. The foundation stone from the original airport, and a stone commemorating RNZAF Bell Block, were moved to the new airport when it opened. The original terminal was renovated during the 1990s. The observation deck upstairs was removed at this time, and the outside observation area was removed in 2005, due to rising security concerns worldwide. From 2015 to 2020, New Plymouth Airport had two domestic terminal buildings. The main terminal building was equipped with a cafe, a Koru Regional Lounge and Air New Zealand check-in counters. The second terminal building known as Terminal 2 was occupied by low-cost airline Jetstar Airways and Nelson based Originair. Terminal 2 was equipped with two Jetstar check-in counters, two Originair check-in counters and a baggage claim area. The two terminal buildings had 8 aircraft gates combined, of which Terminal 2 exclusively used Gate 8. In August 2015, when Jetstar announced they would commence services to New Plymouth in December 2015, the plans were delayed until 1 February 2016 to allow for a $1 million terminal building to be created at New Plymouth Airport dedicated to Jetstar's regional services. The main terminal building was too small for two commercial airline carriers and therefore a second building was required. Additional aircraft gates were also added. New Plymouth Airport has a control tower with services provided by Airways Corporation. It is staffed from 6 am to around 8 pm on