Just days after approving a new $22 million airport terminal, the New Plymouth District Council is being urged to look at extending the airport's runway.

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Williams said an extension would be beneficial for the commercial sector in the region.

He said while it may allow for more passengers in the future, the arrival of bigger freight planes has great potential to open up the commercial sector.

"There's light and high tech business that needs to be shipped out quickly and from around Taranaki can go - I think it's a great opportunity."

Mr Williams believes the council also has a runway extension in its long-term plan, but thinks the current 10-year time frame should be reduced.

The extension would create great business opportunities for the region, he said.