On 17 November 1938, a Southland Airways Puss Moth piloted by Arthur Bradshaw made the first landing in at Milford Sound.

In order for Southern Scenic Airtrips and National Airways Corporation (NAC) to be able to fly the larger twin-engine aircraft into the area the airstrip became officially licensed in 1956.

[citation needed] Prior to the ability of air operations, Milford Sound had no access in the winter months as the roads became impassable.

With the addition of the airstrip, it was recorded that by 1964 more than 400 tourists were taking the 'Gateway to Magnificence Experience' flight to Milford Sound each month at peak holiday time.

[1] Weather permitting, there is substantial daily charter traffic of light aircraft (mostly Cessna Caravan and GA8 Airvan) to and from Queenstown and Wānaka.