Auckland Airport has big plans in the works! The airport is getting a $3.9 billion makeover, which will combine its domestic and international terminals. This means that travelers will be able to transfer between the domestic and international areas in just five minutes!
The project will replace the current 57-year-old domestic terminal with a brand-new terminal that is set to open between 2028 and 2029. The airport is also planning on adding 12 new domestic aircraft gates, which is a 20% increase from the current levels. These gates will have electric charging and will be catered for future aircraft.
But the project is not just about adding new gates and terminals. The airport will also have additional retail and rest areas, a new “state-of-the-art” check-in area, and a smart baggage system that uses 50% less power to process each bag compared to a conventional conveyor-based system. Pretty cool, huh?
According to Auckland Airport Chair Patrick Strange, this is a major investment that has been in the works for many years. “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,” Strange said.
However, not everyone is happy about the redevelopment. Some airlines are worried that the cost of the project will be passed onto them in the form of higher airport fees, which will lead to higher ticket prices for travelers.
The construction for the project will take place over the next five to six years and will employ 2000 additional customers at the height of construction. The airport is currently consulting with airlines on new aeronautical charges between July 2022 and June 2027. But airlines are warning that Auckland Airport’s upgrade will cut the number of cheap fares on offer.
