The stitch

The three-storey ‘stitch’, or east terminal expansion, is the central link in Auckland Airport’s $3.9 billion integrated terminal programme, which includes the domestic jet terminal. The stitch connects the present international terminal with the future domestic jet terminal, transforming the way people move through Aotearoa’s busiest airport. 

For travellers, this is a game-changer. About 731,000 domestic jet travellers connect to an international service each year. With the stitch, those transfers will become a short, seamless indoor walk, creating a more-connected and comfortable journey for everyone. 

Construction of the three-storey building began in 2023 and extends 95 metres to the east of the international terminal. The ground floor houses the first elements of a new baggage system serving both domestic and international jet travellers. 

On the floors above are the security processing, dwell spaces as well as the connection point for domestic jet to international flights. The upper level of the stitch will include 3,000sqm of space for airline lounges. These will include expansions of existing international lounges, as well as new domestic facilities. 

We’re building the domestic jet terminal around the real needs of travellers. A 2024 study of domestic terminal users found: 

• 90% want more capacity to support additional flights and competitive airfares 
• 89% want more space and modern seating 
• 88% want better baggage systems 
• 87% want faster processing and shorter queues 
• 81% want a short, indoor walk between domestic and international areas 

These insights are shaping every detail of the design and construction. The stitch is where smarter travel begins.