One of Oceania's busiest airports, Auckland International Airport (AKL), today confirmed its plans to merge its domestic and international terminals under one roof. The airport had planned to commence operations on its widespread upgrade program before the pandemic. However, as expected, the world got put on hold.

The airport's overall plans include new roading and transit options to the airport, an NZ $3.9 billion terminal integration plan ($2.4 billion), NZ $75 million ($46 million) in renovations to the existing domestic terminal, expanded apron and runways, new cargo facility, a new international arrivals facility and most importantly, a second runway.

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Today's announcement signals the largest-ever renovation project since the airport opened in 1966 and the replacement of the aging 57-year-old domestic terminal, in which travelers who have experienced transiting between Auckland International and Domestic can be quite a pain.

All jet operations under one roof

The domestic and international terminals are separated and connected by a transit bus or walkway. From past experiences, I immensely enjoyed the fresh air once debarking off a long international flight before connecting to my domestic destination; however, for some, this is unpractical and could cause anxiety in a time crunch.

The airport's latest move, to consolidate all jet operations under one roof, will move the airport into the next step of its overall renovation project. Auckland Airport’s Chief Executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, noted the simple renovations wouldn't cut it anymore and acknowledged it was time to commit to the terminal consolidation:

“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.

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Turbo-props stay put for now.

As noted by the airport's CEO, only jet flights will be accommodated in the new terminal, with 12 jet gates being built (20% more than the airport currently has).

With domestic jet flights departing from Auckland to only Christchurch (CHC), Dunedin (DUD), Invercargill (IVC), Queenstown (ZQN), and Wellington (WLG), this leaves the rest of the country making the trek back to the old terminal. However, the airport is discussing with major airlines and the Board of Airline Representatives (BARNZ) the future location for regional domestic operations.

A step towards a low carbon future

The airport's CEO continued to note its aim, where possible, to reduce its impact on the environment and reduce its carbon footprint. This plans to be alongside the focus on minimizing waste and improving water efficiency. Hurihanganui emphasized:

“Sustainability is a priority for us – this investment will help us move towards climate change goals and create a more sustainable airport,

“We have worked very closely with major airlines to understand their needs and requirements, including their investment in larger domestic aircraft and their planned future low-carbon aircraft. We are supporting airlines by installing ground power units at each gate to supply power to aircraft, helping to reduce fuel use,

“We recognize that in today’s environment, price changes are challenging. As we step forward, we are ambitious but mindful of cost, ensuring our infrastructure program is fit for purpose.”

Sources: Grimshaw, Auckland Airport

• 

  Air New Zealand

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  NZ/ANZ

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport

  Year Founded:

  1965

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  CEO:

  Greg Foran

  Country:

  New Zealand