Queenstown Airport has struck more turbulence with a big drop in passenger arrivals

In the airport's latest report, passenger numbers flying into the tourist town were down 26 percent in October, with Covid 19 to blame.

Over the past year the numbers are worse - down by just over a third.

The report says the lack of international arrivals was softened by domestic travellers increasing 5 percent in October.

Nearly 600 aircraft landed at the airport that month - 100 up on the year before.