New domestic jet terminal

Every day, about 20,000 people pass through the nearly 60-year-old domestic terminal at Auckland Airport. It’s served us well, but the terminal is now reaching capacity and at peak travel times it’s full. With passenger numbers expected to double by the mid-2040s, we’re investing in a new domestic jet terminal to open in 2029 and designed to deliver a smoother, more spacious experience for Aotearoa’s future travellers. 

We also need to relocate domestic jets (those flying the main trunk routes) away from their current stands at the domestic terminal, to make room for essential runway upgrades to take place by about 2030. This is work that’s required for the future safety and resilience of the airport and runway. 

Planning for the new domestic jet terminal began over a decade ago. In 2019, the decision was made to build a single integrated terminal for both domestic and international jet flights. While the pandemic delayed progress, Auckland Airport reconfirmed its commitment in 2021, and in May 2024, we shared the first detailed look at the terminal’s planned interior. 

Focused on doing the basics well, the new terminal will feature a single, 240-metre-long pier with 12 jet gates, capable of serving aircraft such as the Airbus A321. 

It will also deliver much-needed new capacity, such as 44% more processing capacity for travellers and 26% more airline seat capacity. It’s all about keeping people moving, comfortably and efficiently. 

Inside, the terminal takes inspiration from the nearby Manukau Harbour, the surrounding stone fields and maunga (volcanic hills). Timber accents and practical, durable flooring create a sense of warmth and purpose. A river-like layout will guide passengers smoothly through the space, with quiet zones, seating areas, and charging points offering room to relax. 

Two large baggage reclaims with 180 metres of conveyor space will increase present capacity by 70 per cent. Amenities will include faith spaces, a low-sensory room, baby-change areas in all bathrooms, family-specific spaces, and gender-neutral facilities. The exterior will be clad in robust tray-profile steel, built to perform in the coastal environment. 

Designed to International Air Transport Association standards, the terminal will deliver optimal queue times and comfort. At a cost of $2.2 billion, the terminal compares favourably with similar global projects. 

Construction on the terminal is well underway – the first new terminal built at Auckland Airport in nearly 50 years. The construction contract was awarded to Hawkins Construction in September 2024. Work began with the installation of 700 steel piles, forming the foundation for a structure that will use more than 6,000 tonnes of steel and 35,000 tonnes of concrete. At the peak of the build in mid-2027, 2,500 people will be working on site across the wider construction programme.

Auckland Airport is consulting with airlines on how best to serve regional flights in the future and will share details once that is complete. Serving regional New Zealand with the capacity and customer experience people need continues to be a priority and is a focus of our master plan.