Australia’s peak airport body, the Australian Airports Association has awarded Adelaide ‘Capital City Airport of the Year’.
Not a popularity contest, but an award presented by those in the business of running airports, the achievement was one of two gongs ADL picked up at the Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards this week along with the ‘Infrastructure Award’ it received for its major terminal expansion.
The $200 million project was completed on time and on budget at the end of 2021, boosting ADL’s international departures and arrivals areas, and almost doubling (80 per cent increase ) retail space within the terminal.
Presented at a gala held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said the awards recognise the South Australian hub’s management through the pandemic.
“We’re delighted to receive this recognition from our peers,” Cox said.
“We know all airports have been doing it tough over the past three years, but I’m immensely proud of our team who have both managed the extraordinary challenges of COVID but also still managed to complete our biggest infrastructure project since 2005 when the current terminal was first opened.
“It’s also recognition for our external partners involved in the terminal expansion project as well as helping us keep our airport ‘airworthy’ when aviation ground to a halt in 2020.”
Cox also acknowledged former Adelaide Airport managing director Mark Young, who received a lifetime achievement award for his services to the airport sector for over 20 years.
Travelex picks Adelaide
Meanwhile, foreign exchange brand Travelex has launched its first new airport store since the pandemic at ADL.
Located in departures, the cricket-themed Travelex outlet features signed bats and jerseys from the Australian men’s cricket team.
“Travelex is a global retail foreign exchange leader and we are excited to have Travelex launch at Adelaide Airport,” Cox said.
“As we rebuild to facilitate over 1 million international passengers a year again, it’s important that we provide a wide range of solutions to our customers – we welcome Travelex’s products including traditional walk-up stores, self-serve and ATMs.”
Earlier this year, ADL introduced the first internationally accredited Facility Dog at any Australian airport.
The relaunch of Virgin Australia’s Adelaide–Bali route from December is one of many international routes that have reopened at ADL this year.
Visit adelaideairport.com.au for more.
