Auckland Airport has unveiled a $3.9 billion redevelopment project, which will see it combine its domestic and international terminals prompting warnings that it will force up airfares.
The airport said the project would reaplce the 57-year-old domestic terminal, at a cost of $2.2b and it was set to open between 2028 and 2029.
The airport planned 12 new domestic aircraft gates, up 20 percent from current levels, with electric charging and all catered for future aircraft.
It said the combined terminal would see a five-minute transfer between the domestic and international areas.
It would also have additional retail and rest areas, a new “state-of-the-art” check-in area, and a smart baggage system, using 50 percent less power to process each bag compared to a conventional conveyor-based system.
“The domestic terminal is almost 60 years old and needs replacing.
The airport has consulted with its major airline customers on a replacement terminal since 2011.
Meanwhile, airlines are warning that Auckland Airport’s upgrade will cut the number of cheap fares on offer.
The Board of Airline Representatives says the $3.9b spend on infrastructure would price some travellers out of domestic flights.
