In what appears to be the biggest redevelopment since 1966, Auckland Airport will soon commence the construction of a new domestic terminal that will be integrated with the current international terminal. The airport has invested about $3.9 billion over the next five to six years when the new terminal is expected to open.
The renovation plans include new road and transit options to the airport, $3.9 bn terminal integration plan, $46 million in renovation to existing domestic terminal, expanded apron and runways, new cargo facility, a new international arrivals facility and a second runway.
Patrick Strange, Chairperson, Auckland Airport said: “The domestic terminal is almost 60 years old and needs replacing. It’s nearing capacity and it’s no longer fit for purpose and hasn’t been for some time. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, we would already be well underway with its replacement.”
Speaking on consolidation of all jet operations under one roof, Carrie Hurihanganui, CEO, Auckland Airport said: “It will 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 domestic and international travelers, including the ability to check in and store your bag at any time throughout the day.”
“The new terminal meant the gateway airport was resilient and sustainable, supporting airline ambitions for a low-carbon future and strengthening infrastructure to cope with increasingly severe weather events due to climate change,” Hurihanganui added.
Airport claims that the new terminal would have efficient passenger processing areas, improved bathroom facilities and faster baggage systems, as well as better connections between domestic and international travel.
The airlines don’t seem to be too happy with the redevelopment, Cath O’Brien, executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives said: “The development would ultimately make it too expensive for some people to fly. This $3.9b spend gets pushed on to airlines in fees that end up in ticket prices. Airlines are frustrated by the airport’s action.”
Pre-covid 9.6 million domestic passengers travelled through the domestic terminal each year, while 11.5 million international passengers, including those in transit, passed through the international terminal.