Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, April 4, 2024
The dawn of April 3, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Auckland Airport as it unveiled the first stage of its ambitious Transport Hub project. In a move set to redefine travel convenience, the new ground floor facility promises a revolutionary shift in the airport’s International terminal transport system, according to the team.
More space
With doors opening at 2 am, travellers were greeted by an impressive array of enhancements, including over 320 meters of new undercover kerbside drop-off and pick-up zones. This represents a monumental 200% increase in space compared to the previous setup.
Replacing the old 1977 international terminal ground-level car park, the ground floor of the Transport Hub covers over 14,000m2 with separate lanes for public and commercial traffic creating an efficient and modern arrival and departure experience for those using public transport and scheduled buses, being dropped off or picked up by friends and family, or being dropped off by taxis, rideshares and shuttles.
Going green
Adjacent to the Transport Hub, construction is underway for new office spaces designed to meet a 5-Star Green rating, while a substantial 1.2-megawatt rooftop solar array is set to power both the office building and EV charging stations within the car park.
Carrie Hurihanganui, Auckland Airport’s Chief Executive, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of the Transport Hub, citing its role in creating a more efficient and welcoming environment for international travellers.
Notably, the facility is also designed with future considerations in mind, with provisions made to accommodate mass rapid transit systems.
In addition to its functional upgrades, the Transport Hub showcases native landscaping and rainwater harvesting initiatives, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Inner Terminal Road closes
The opening of the Transport Hub brings the closure of the drop-off and pick-up area that is operated directly out front of the international terminal.
As Auckland Airport works towards starting the new domestic terminal, there is an extensive programme of projects, enabling works to prepare the airport for a successful build.
“The upgrade of our terminal front door will be most noticeable to anyone coming to the international terminal. We will be closing the inner terminal road in front of the terminal building to make way for a raft of upgrades that will support the new domestic terminal to be integrated into the international terminal,” said Ms Hurihanganui.
“We will also eventually reinstate the two-lane inner terminal road prioritising public transport at the front door of the terminal. This will further increase public drop-off/pick-up capacity in the Transport Hub. A feature of the design allows for wide covered footpaths to create room for families and travellers with luggage, pedestrian crossings, plenty of seats, and lighting, as well as calling time on the large sails that have adorned the terminal since the early 90s as we create a more modern look to our front door.”
Ensuring future resilience
“Below ground, we need to prepare the airport for the next 50 years of operation by making sure the vital utilities backbone – water, stormwater, sewage, power, telecommunications, and the like – are fit for purpose. Over the years utilities have kept pace with traveller growth but meeting the needs of the new domestic terminal and ensuring future resilience requires a major upgrade to these vital, albeit hidden, connections,” Ms Hurihanganui said.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
