International travellers flying out of Auckland Airport may soon find themselves checking in outside the main terminal, as the airport begins a major transformation of its departures area.
A temporary check-in pavilion, called Zone T, is being constructed between the Transport Hub and the existing international terminal. The 660m² structure will feature 28 check-in counters and will be able to process passengers for up to four wide-body aircraft at once. It is expected to open for use by autumn, the airport said.
The pavilion will connect to the terminal via walkways and will serve travellers while construction gets underway on a completely redesigned departures hall. The new hall will include upgraded self-service kiosks and modern bag-drop systems, aligning with the airport’s long-term plan to integrate international and domestic jet operations within the next four years.
“We currently have around 14,000 international travellers checking in and departing from Auckland Airport throughout the day,” chief operations officer Chloe Surridge said. “At the same time, we’re preparing to completely reshape the check-in experience to make it simpler and more self-service focused. The solution is to build a new check-in pavilion, a proven, temporary measure used by airports around the world,” Emma Stanford of Stuff reported.
Surridge added that while efforts are being made to minimise disruption, passenger patience will be essential during the construction phase.
Travellers will be able to confirm their check-in zone 24 hours before departure via the airport’s website. Digital display boards in the terminal and the Transport Hub will also direct passengers to the correct area.
The interior of Auckland Airport is also undergoing significant changes. Around 60 traditional check-in desks are being phased out to make way for a fully centralised self-service system. Instead of queueing at airline-specific counters, passengers will be able to use any of the new kiosks, regardless of the carrier, reported Emma Stanford of Stuff.
Once the new domestic terminal opens, domestic jet travellers will also check in through this “centralised, modernised space,” marking a major shift in how the airport manages passenger flow and services.
The changes form part of Auckland Airport’s largest redevelopment in decades, aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing the overall traveller experience.