Profit for Wellington International Airport has surged up by almost 8 per cent with an operating profit of $42.5 million.

Higher revenue from landing fees, terminal charges and lease income has made such huge gains possible.

The airport which is co-owned by infrastructure investor Infratil and Wellington City Council turned to profit in the first half and increased its payment to its shareholders.

WIAL was thought to have received the returns as it continues to focus on route development and collaboration with its airline partners to uphold the prospects that Wellington presents.

A profit of $1.9 million was posted by the airport hub for the Wellington in the six months to September 30, from a loss of $5.6 million the year earlier.

Retail and trading activities have gone by 6.4 per cent to $16.9m, where as property rent and lease income increased to 3.2 per cent to $5.6m.

Chief executive Steve Sanderson mentioned, "While the half-year result reflects good growth in passenger numbers and services, it also reflects an ongoing focus on efficiency, and the airport remains one of the most efficient in Australasia."