The experience of travelling in and out of South Australia is about to completely change as millions are invested in upgrading Adelaide Airport’s international and domestic facilities.
Work commencing NOW (yes, immediately) and expected for completion by 2021 (yes, immediately), will include an expansion of Adelaide Airport’s main terminal as well as new retail and dining facilities for travellers.
International upgrades will include a second, longer baggage belt for arrivals, more space for emigration and immigration processing, expanded security screening, a larger duty free precinct for arrivals and departures, and expanded dining and retail options.
Image: Adelaide Airport
Gate 18 will become a permanent international gate and will be the focus of the improved retail and boarding facilities. Other international gates will continue to utilise Adelaide Airport’s unique swing gate system to allow both international and domestic operations.
The expansion will also see a complete refurbishment of retail areas, resulting in a more than 80 percent increase in the overall size of the terminal’s retail and dining precinct across domestic and international areas.
Image: Adelaide Airport
The $165 million will also be used to introduce a new common user premium international lounge, add a VIP facility for international arrivals and departures, relocate the Virgin Australia Lounge and expand office space for terminal tenants.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young, said the terminal expansion will ensure the airport provides the highest level of customer experience for all travellers well into the future.
Image: Adelaide Airport
“Our aim is to provide a seamless, connected experience from the time you drive into the airport until you board your aircraft, and vice versa.”
Mark Young, Adelaide Airport Managing Director
“Since we opened the existing terminal in 2005, our overall passenger numbers have increased by close to 50 percent. Our international passenger numbers alone have almost tripled over the same period.
“This extraordinary growth means we need to keep growing our existing facilities. While we still have sufficient gate capacity to meet future forecast growth in the number of flights, we’re reaching capacity within the terminal.
“This expansion will allow us to be fit-for-purpose based on our future growth forecasts.”
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