Patrick Strange, the chair of Auckland Airport, declared, “This is a big investment for Auckland Airport, one that we have been working towards for many years.
“The domestic terminal needs to be replaced because it is approximately 60 years old. It is almost full and is no longer functional, and it hasn’t been for a while. In the absence of the epidemic, its replacement would already be well under way.
From May 2011, Auckland Airport has consulted with its major airline clients on proposals to replace the ageing domestic terminal with an integrated terminal. Auckland Airport created 21 concept designs during that time, and as part of the consultation process, they were discussed with significant airlines.
For more than ten years, we have worked with significant airlines on this. All comments, including suggestions for different locations and even longer delays in infrastructure development, have been taken into account. We have carefully considered everything and made the necessary adjustments, but now is the time to move on, Mr. Strange stated.
“Every dollar we invest in this infrastructure today will benefit tourists, airlines, and New Zealand for many years to come.
It will help airlines achieve their goals of a low-carbon future and improve our infrastructure in the face of increased extreme weather events brought on by climate change. This will ensure that New Zealand’s key gateway is resilient and sustainable.
The Auckland Airport Board today, following a previous decision in 2019, reaffirmed its commitment to the integration of domestic and international travel, approving the project to move into the final stages of design as part of a roughly $3.9b[1] construction programmed to take place over the following five to six years (this includes the roughly $2.2b combined terminal as well as a number of other key projects associated with that development).
Domestic and international travel will be combined under one roof for the first time since 1977 as part of the terminal integration programme, a significant component of the airport’s larger 10-year capital programme, through an expansion at the eastern end of the current international terminal building.
The integration effort is a crucial enabler for Auckland Airport’s ability to complete significant airfield renovations that will ensure the airport’s resilience.
Carrie Hurihanganui, Chief Executive of Auckland Airport, stated that this project is all about creating the gateway that Auckland and New Zealand require.
“A new domestic terminal integrated into the international terminal will make Auckland Airport fit for the future, providing a much improved experience for travellers — something they’ve clearly and consistently told us they want,” says the airport’s CEO.
“They want a domestic terminal with contemporary interiors, effective passenger processing areas, upgraded restrooms, quicker luggage systems, and better connections for domestic and international travel as well as for travel by public transportation and into the city.
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Source: travel weekly
