Auckland Airport reassesses its priorities in new infrastructure plan

The proposal will see four major projects remaining on hold while enabling work to start on a new $1bn domestic jet facility 

Auckland Airport has reset its infrastructure plan and is to restart priority developments including a purpose-built domestic facility, which was one of the major infrastructure projects to be cancelled or deferred at the site when the pandemic hit. 

This project will see jet flights arriving and departing for major New Zealand destinations move into a new domestic hub merged into the current international terminal and will feature a new pier, apron and airside dwell, food, beverage and retail spaces. 

Auckland Airport
Photo Auckland Airport

The first stage of the project is expected to get underway early next year and will include the demolition and relocation of important infrastructure such as the baggage halls, waste disposal facilities and livestock holding area and carrying out ground, services and technical investigations.  

Beyond this work, the next major phase of the development, costing more than $1bn, would be decided based on a range of factors including the speed of aviation’s recovery.        

Other major improvements that Auckland Airport will continue to advance include $160m in upgrades to the road network and a new transit system, $200m towards a new transport hub outside the existing international terminal, including a covered pick-up/drop-off area, valet services and covered car parks and $75m in ongoing upgrades to the existing domestic terminal.   

Adrian Littlewood, Auckland Airport CEO, said: “We haven’t wasted a day since the outbreak of COVID-19, using the time to plan ahead and develop a refreshed pathway for future infrastructure that is carefully aligned with aviation’s recovery. The construction of a new domestic facility closely integrated with our international safe travel zone operations will provide a seamless journey between major New Zealand destinations and our global air connections. A new transport hub with upgraded pedestrian, transport links, and car parking will offer a smooth connection into the terminal building.”  

The four projects that remain on hold include the airports’ plan for a second runway to deal with future anticipated demand as well as an expanded international airfield and taxiway capacity, new cargo precinct and a new international arrivals area.