New Zealand’s Auckland Airport (AKL) is set to undergo its biggest redevelopment since the airport opened in 1966.
The airport announced that the improvements will include a new domestic terminal which will be fully integrated into the international terminal.
In its announcement, the airport said that the project would replace the 57-year-old domestic terminal, at a cost of NZ 2.2 B ($1.37B) and that it is set to open between 2028 and 2029.
The remainder of the cost, NZ 1.7B ($1.06B), will be for other projects associated with the integration, including forecast increases in construction costs and holding costs.
“This is a major investment for Auckland Airport, one which we have been working towards for many years,” Patrick Strange, Auckland Airport’s chair said in a statement dated March 17, 2023.
“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 further said.
Strange also mentioned that for over a decade, the airport had been consulting with major airline customers regarding the domestic terminal’s integration with the international terminal.
The terminal integration program will bring domestic travel and international travel together under the same roof for the first time since 1977, via an expansion at the eastern end of the existing international terminal building.
“A new domestic terminal integrated into the international terminal will make Auckland Airport fit for the future, providing a much-improved experience for travelers – something they’ve clearly and repeatedly told us they want,” Carrie Hurihanganui, Auckland Airport’s chief executive said in the same statement.
“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.In short, renovations just won’t cut it anymore,” Hurihanganui added.
The combined terminal is set to open at some point between 2028 and 2029, and will serve the larger and more efficient domestic jet aircraft flying to and from Auckland to New Zealand’s other main centers, alongside international operations.