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Auckland Airport is New Zealand's gateway, welcoming visitors to the country and bidding them farewell. The airport is located in Māngere, Auckland, and was built on land reclaimed from the Manukau Harbour. The airport officially opened in 1966, and has since undergone several transformations and expansions, including the addition of a new international terminal in 1977 and modifications in 2005 to separate arriving and departing passengers. The airport features a unique blend of cultural symbols, such as the tomokanga (Māori carved gateways) in the arrivals area, welcoming travellers to New Zealand. Auckland Airport is a hub for various airlines, including Air New Zealand and Qantas, offering both domestic and international travel options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Mangere Aerodrome |
| Year of Transformation | 1960 |
| Year of Official Opening | 1966 |
| Runway Length at Opening | 2,591 metres (8,500 ft) |
| Runway Length after Extension in 1973 | 3,292 metres (10,800 ft) |
| Number of Airbridge Gates in Pier A | 10 |
| Number of Bus Gates in Pier A | 4 |
| Number of Airbridge Gates in Pier B | 4 |
| Number of Bus Gates in Pier B | 4 |
| Year of Pier A Tomokanga Installation | 1994 |
| Year Pier B Opened | 2009 |
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What You'll Learn
Auckland Airport's history
Auckland Airport in New Zealand has played a significant role in the country's aviation history. The site's history as an airfield dates back to the late 1920s when it was used by the Auckland Aero Club, which was based on level farmland on the outskirts of the city. In 1928, the club leased land from a dairy farmer to accommodate its three De Havilland Gypsy Moths. The site was praised by the club president for its favourable characteristics for an aerodrome and training ground.
In the following decades, the airfield, known as Mangere Aerodrome, continued to grow in size and popularity. However, it was not until 1955 that the site was secured with the intention of developing it into the country's primary international airport. In 1958, the New Zealand Government commissioned Leigh Fisher Associates to survey and design the international airport at Mangere. Construction began in 1960, and the project involved reclaiming land from the Manukau Harbour to build the runway.
Auckland Airport officially opened in 1966, with a three-day 'Grand Air Pageant' attracting over 200,000 visitors. Initially, all domestic and international flights used what is now the domestic terminal. The airport quickly became a gateway to New Zealand, facilitating travel and trade. In 1977, a new international terminal was opened, named after Jean Batten, New Zealand's renowned aviator.
Over the years, Auckland Airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions. In the 1980s, the airport saw the arrival of the first Boeing 747 jumbo jet, and the introduction of new aircraft such as the National Airways Corporation (NAC) Fokker Friendship. In the 1990s, the airport nearly doubled in size after an $180 million redevelopment project, and in 1997, an international terminal was added. In the 2000s, further improvements were made, including the construction of Pier B in 2009, enabling the airport to handle larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
Today, Auckland Airport is one of the largest international airports in Australasia, serving as a key travel hub for New Zealand. It has become a place of connections, welcoming travellers from all over the world and facilitating business opportunities. With ongoing investments and upgrades, the airport aims to enhance the travel experience and prepare for the future of aviation.
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Airport terminals and gates
Auckland Airport in New Zealand has two main terminals: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. The terminals are about 500 metres apart, and passengers can travel between them via a free shuttle bus service or by walking along a clearly marked pathway. The airport has multiple security checkpoints located throughout both terminals. The Domestic Terminal has two security checkpoints, one on the ground floor and the other on the first floor, while the International Terminal has four security checkpoints, with two on the ground floor and the other two on the first floor.
The International Terminal has three levels, with specific areas designated for departures and arrivals. Departures are mainly on the second floor, while arrivals are processed on the first floor. The terminal has several gates, including airbridge and bus gates, spread across two piers. Pier A has 10 airbridge gates (1 through 10) and four bus gates (4A through 4D), while Pier B has four airbridge gates (15 through 18) and four bus gates (16A through 16D). Gate 19, which is located next to Gate 18, does not have an airbridge, requiring a short walk to the aircraft.
The airport offers a range of services and facilities to enhance the travel experience. These include luggage storage and wrapping, visitor information and assistance, nursery rooms for travelling families, and wireless hotspots. Passengers can also relax in one of the airport's VIP lounges or utilise the duty-free shopping options available. Additionally, the airport provides shower facilities in various locations within the International Terminal, both before and after security.
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Runway construction
Auckland Airport, located in Māngere, New Zealand, has been undergoing significant development since its establishment in 1960. The airport's runway has been a crucial aspect of its operations and has undergone several transformations over the years.
The original runway, constructed in the early days of the airport, was approximately 2,591 metres (8,500 ft) long. However, in 1973, the runway was extended westward to a length of 3,292 metres (10,800 ft). This extension allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, which commenced the first scheduled service in December 1972.
Over time, the increasing demand for air travel and the evolution of aircraft technology have driven the need for further enhancements to the runway and surrounding infrastructure. In recent years, Auckland Airport has embarked on a series of projects to upgrade and expand its facilities, including the runway and taxiways.
One of the most significant runway-related projects is the construction of a second runway. While this project is currently on hold, it remains a long-term goal for the airport. The second runway is expected to improve seamless connectivity, which is crucial for both the airport and the 23 airlines flying to 35 international destinations. The airport's overall plans also include new roading and transit options, an integrated terminal, renovations to the existing domestic terminal, expanded apron and runways, a new cargo facility, and a new international arrivals area.
In the meantime, Auckland Airport is focusing on upgrading and maintaining its existing runway and taxiways. This includes repairing parts of the runway and nearby taxiways, as well as enhancing safety and lighting features. Taxiway Alpha, located to the right of the main runway, is being transformed to serve as an alternative or contingent runway when needed. This transformation involves adding new lighting and safety features, enabling it to function as a secondary runway during the closure of the main runway for maintenance or repairs.
Additionally, Auckland Airport is constructing a new domestic jet terminal, scheduled to open between 2028 and 2029. This new terminal will increase overall capacity and improve efficiency by housing both domestic and international travel under the same roof. The terminal will feature a state-of-the-art baggage system and various amenities for travellers.
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Retail and dining
Auckland Airport offers a wide range of retail and dining options for travellers. With over 20 eateries across the International Airport and 15 food and beverage stores within the domestic terminal, there is something to suit everyone's taste.
For those looking for a quick bite or a coffee, there are several options, including McDonald's, Krispy Kreme, and a premium café space serving specialty coffee. If you're after something more substantial, Little Gipsy offers a menu with something for everyone, while Soul Origin provides made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and fresh salads. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also donuts and a range of chocolate options, including Whittaker's, which is renowned for producing the world's finest chocolate in New Zealand.
The airport also has a variety of retail options, including duty-free and tax-free shops. You can browse through a huge selection of brands, from luxury boutiques like Coach and Montblanc to local favourites such as Cape to Bluff, which offers art, gifts, jewellery, and skincare. There are also shops catering to specific needs, such as travel essentials, mobile technology, and gaming gear.
Auckland Airport has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quick bite, a coffee, a leisurely meal, or some last-minute shopping before your flight. The airport's retail and dining options aim to enhance your travel experience and provide a taste of New Zealand's unique offerings.
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Welcoming features
Auckland Airport is New Zealand's gateway, welcoming travellers to the country and bidding farewell to those leaving. The airport is located in Māngere, Auckland, and was previously known as Mangere Aerodrome. The site was chosen for its ideal conditions for an aerodrome and training ground, including good approaches, well-drained land, and freedom from power lines, buildings, and fog.
The airport officially opened in 1966 with a grand air pageant, and the first flight to depart was an Air New Zealand DC-8 bound for Sydney in November 1965. Auckland Airport has since undergone several transformations and expansions to accommodate increasing air traffic.
Auckland Airport boasts a number of features that create a welcoming atmosphere for travellers:
- Each international pier, Pier A and Pier B, features a tomokanga (Māori carved gateway) in the arrivals area, accompanied by a karanga audio recording. This symbolises Auckland Airport as a major international gateway and extends a warm welcome to visitors.
- The airport prioritises the comfort and convenience of passengers with facilities like retail spaces, grab-and-go food and drinks, and a range of travel essentials available before security.
- The airport offers an enhanced online shopping experience for international travellers, providing access to thousands of the world's best brands, including the latest technology, fashion, and gaming gear.
- The Jetstar check-in area is conveniently located in the western end of the terminal, providing easy access for passengers.
- The airport's terminals are designed to facilitate a smooth flow of passengers with efficient separation of arriving and departing passengers, comfortable departure lounges, and convenient escalator access to the departure level.
- The international terminal, named after Jean Batten, was built in 1977, providing dedicated infrastructure for international travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Work started on Auckland Airport in 1960, with the site being chosen due to its good approaches, drainage, and lack of buildings and power lines. The first flight to depart was an Air New Zealand DC-8 in November 1965, and the airport was officially opened in January 1966.
Auckland Airport has two terminals: a domestic terminal and an international terminal named after Jean Batten, which was built in 1977.
Flight information is provided by the individual airlines, so please contact your airline for any questions about your flight.
