Auckland Airport will build a new domestic terminal and merge it with its international hub as part of AKL’s biggest investment since it opened in 1966.
Expected to cost around NZ$3.9 billion (AU$3.65 billion), the redevelopment comes after more than a decade of consultations between Auckland Airport and its major airline partners and some 21 concept designs for the facility.
With the new terminal due to open in 2028 or 2029, Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui said “renovations just won’t cut it anymore”.
“This is all about building the gateway Auckland and New Zealand need,” she explained.
“A new domestic terminal integrated into the international terminal will make Auckland Airport fit for the future, providing a much-improved experience for travellers – something they’ve clearly and repeatedly told us they want.
“They’re asking for a domestic facility that offers modern spaces, efficient passenger processing areas, improved bathroom facilities and faster baggage systems, as well as better connections between domestic and international travel and via public transport and the city.”
What’s in it for flyers?
The domestic hub will link to the international terminal via an expansion at the latter’s eastern wing and bring domestic and international travel under the same roof for the first time since 1977.
Hurihanganui said this would “make travel easier and faster, cutting domestic jet to international transfer times to a five-minute indoor walk”.
“A new check-in experience will provide state-of-the-art facilities for both domestic and international travellers, including the ability to check in and store your bag at any time throughout the day,” she added.
“Smart baggage systems will save time and reduce stress at either end of a flight. There will be faster links to public transport via the new Transport Hub we are building on the doorstop of the international terminal.
“We will also provide new gates and other facilities to help airlines smooth and speed-up turn-around times.”
With the announcement, the project will move into its final stages of design. It is anticipated the new domestic terminal and a number of other “key projects” associated with its development will take five to six years to construct.
Greener skies
AKL also flagged it would be carrying out key upgrades to its airfield and focus on a greener future.
“Sustainability is a priority for us – this investment will help us move towards climate change goals and create a more sustainable airport,” she said.
“We have worked very closely with major airlines to understand their needs and requirements, including the investment they’re making in larger domestic aircraft, and their planned future low carbon aircraft.
“We are supporting airlines by installing ground power units at each gate to supply power to aircraft, helping to reduce fuel use.
“Without the right airport infrastructure any airline aspirations to a low carbon future will not be achieved.”
AKL is also currently talking to major carriers about the costs to them, Hurihanganui stated.
“We recognise that in today’s environment price changes are challenging. As we step forward, we are ambitious but mindful of cost, ensuring our infrastructure programme is fit for purpose.”
Pre-pandemic, around 9.6 million domestic flyers passed through AKL domestic terminal annually, while 11.5 million international passengers (including transits) passed through the international terminal.
For more information, visit www.aucklandairport.co.nz.
