A decision to allow late night flights into Queenstown is being praised as a positive move for regional tourism.

Civil aviation authorities have agreed to allow flights to land before 10pm throughout the year, once the airport runway has been expanded and new aeronautical lighting has been installed.

Auckland Airport corporate affairs manager Charlie Spillane says the move will help create more connections, and give visitors more options about when they travel.

"By opening up Queenstown in the evening, through to no later than 10pm, we really can empower regional tourism."

Mr Spillane says the decision is also a win for people in Auckland, and around the country.

He says it will also allow people in Queenstown to access the rest of the country more easily.