• Wellington Airport is removing its iconic Hobbit eagle sculptures this Friday.
• The two eagles, each featuring Gandalf, have been a highlight for travelers since 2013.
• Wētā Workshop crafted the sculptures, which weigh 1.1 tonnes and have a wingspan of 15 meters.
• Airport authorities plan to create a unique replacement exhibit to unveil later this year.
• Smaug the dragon from The Hobbit will remain on display at the airport.

The Wellington Airport announces the removal of its iconic Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures, concluding a ten-year stint where these impressive works have greeted travelers. Each sculpture, which weighs approximately 1.2 tonnes and boasts a wingspan of 15 meters, will be unfastened from the ceiling to make way for a new exhibit, as confirmed by airport authorities. "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," stated Matt Clarke, the airport's chief executive, highlighting the sentimental value these sculptures held since their installation in 2013 alongside the release of The Hobbit trilogy, according to BBC and India Times.

The sculptures were created by Wētā Workshop, renowned for producing film props for Oscar-winning movies directed by Peter Jackson. These artistic pieces not only underscored Wellington's connection to Tolkien's beloved narratives but also contributed to significant tourism revenue over the years. Their removal comes at a time when guided tours of the film locations remain popular, yet the influx of Tolkien tourism has decreased, as noted by Clarke. He expressed hopes that the sculptures might eventually find a home in a museum, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

While the eagles themselves are being put into storage, their departure has sparked emotional reactions among travelers. One visitor, Verity Johnson, expressed her heartbreak over the change, urging reconsideration of their removal, while another joked that it felt "un-New Zealand" to lose such a unique landmark. The airport is set to announce exciting plans for a locally themed replacement exhibit to maintain its quirky charm, promoting the state's rich cinematic heritage, according to BBC, India Times, and South China Morning Post.

Despite the changes, the airport will retain its connection to The Hobbit franchise with the ongoing display of Smaug, the dragon from the films, which will continue to capture the attention of passengers, as confirmed by the sources. Clarke reassured that the airport aims to keep its identity as a cultural hub while enhancing its exhibits, according to South China Morning Post.