Airport News

Auckland Airport has released a 30-year development programme, including a new terminal and runway, after statistics reveal passenger traffic at the New Zealand hub is set to triple from 14.5 million people in 2013 to 40 million per year by 2044.

Under current forecasts, the first phase of the new combined domestic and international terminal will be built by 2019. The terminal will be developed around the existing international terminal and will include facilities for domestic travel at the southern end of the building and international travel at the northern end, and will enable more convenient transfers for both international and domestic passengers.

The new terminal will have three major piers where aircraft will dock. There will be 94 spaces for aircraft to park, a significant increase on the 56 spaces currently available at the two separate terminals.

A new terminal plaza and forecourt will also be created, which will include an underground station and provide a landscaped area for retail outlets and activities such as public art programmes, temporary displays and events.

Auckland Airport chief executive, Adrian Littlewood, said, “Our airport of the future will be absolutely world-class – it will be friendly, convenient, efficient and a uniquely New Zealand themed airport serving Australasia and the Pacific Rim. Our plan is to phase each stage of development to match growth, working closely with local communities, businesses and Auckland Council.”

As part of the NZ$2.5bn (£1.3bn), 30-year vision, Auckland Airport has also unveiled plans to build a northern runway by around 2025, with an operational length of 2,150m and restrictions on flights to and from the east at night.

Littlewood added the runway would potentially require an 890m extension in 30 to 50 years: “This extension would improve its efficiency and meet the requirements of the larger aircraft forecast to fly to Auckland in the future. Informing people now is the responsible thing to do.”

The 30-year vision incorporates improvements to transport to and from the airport, including a rail corridor through the airport precinct to the terminal and an underground station at the new combined terminal building.

Furthermore, the airport has designed space for an additional express bus service, created extra bus lanes and improved facilities for local buses and shuttles. The airport is also planning to build two more multi-story car-parking buildings, with pedestrian walkways connecting to the new terminal.

“We are working closely with Auckland Council and the government to ensure that Auckland’s transport infrastructure is developed ‘in sync’ with the expansion we are expecting at the airport over the next 30 years,” said Littlewood.

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has identified Auckland Airport to become one of 80 global aviation “megacities” by 2030, with more than 10,000 long-haul travellers daily.

“We are already planning to make the aviation megacity a reality, and we will make sure it will be friendly, efficient and uniquely New Zealand,” commented Littlewood.