Auckland Airport has revealed how its revamped departure hall will look as part of its $2.2 billion upgrade project – which it says will make check-ins “seamless” and future-proofed.
The airport said it was the most significant transformation of the hall since the 1970s, and will bring domestic jet and international travellers together under one roof.
Currently, 27 airlines operated from the international terminal, flying to 42 overseas cities. With the new domestic terminal, jet flights to New Zealand cities would also check-in through this centralised, modernised space.
Last year, the airport also revealed renders of its new domestic jet terminal.
“Over the next four years, the existing check-in hall will be transformed, turning it into a 13,000m2 digital, user-focused departures area designed for the modern traveller,” said a spokesperson.
It added the new layout would remove traditional queuing with self-service technology and create an intuitive start to a travel journey.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said new technology would help do away with traditional queuing.
“Internationally, we are seeing work towards digital passports and digital travel credentials, integrating biometric data and cryptographic algorithms to ensure information is kept private and secure. Building on ePassports, this technology allows for a more streamlined, faster authorisation at processing points such as check-in, border transitions and aircraft boarding.”
The project centred on common-use self-service kiosk and automated bag drops, replacing around 60 traditional check-in desks between now and the opening of the domestic jet terminal at the end of this decade.
Hurihanganui added the revamped departure hall was a milestone in the airport’s rebuild and signalled the next major phase of development.
“Alongside expanding the check-in space, we’re introducing a digital overhaul that will smooth the experience for travellers and sets us on the path to adopting future technologies such as biometrics.
“It’s a big change and as we prepare for the future, we’re modernising right to the core of our systems.”
Main construction to begin early 2026
Hurihanganui said to maintain capacity during the phased construction, a temporary check-in pavilion would be built adjoining the transport hub. Work on the pavilion would begin later this year, with main construction on the terminal check-in areas starting early 2026.
“It’s a complex project but the health and safety of travellers and airport workers is our number one focus, along with keeping the system running smoothly. We’re working closely with airlines on how we operate through the change.”
“The result will be worth it when we deliver a travel experience that’s up there with the world’s leading airports.”
