Auckland Airport pushes back second runway plans

According to Mary-Liz Tuck, Auckland Airport’s chief strategic planning officer, the airport still anticipates needing a second runway, but “operational and airfield efficiency measures” have prompted a revision of the date.

“Building another runway at AKL is part of our planning roadmap, and our current airfield investments, including a major airfield expansion to the north of the international terminal and a consolidated cargo precinct alongside are being built with this in mind,” she said.

“Construction of a second runway is a big commitment, and one that we will only consider if it is in the best interests of New Zealand.

“First, we will fully explore all the ways we can ensure our current airfield operates as efficiently as possible. If the existing runway cannot provide the capacity New Zealand requires, then we will commence consultation with airlines on the second runway.”

The master plan, last revised in 2014, comes as the airport pushes forward with construction on its NZ$3.9 billion terminal overhaul program, which will link the domestic and international terminals.

According to Tuck, the new master plan is an “evolution” that considers its current and future needs.

VIEW ALL

>

“While the Master Plan guides our investment decisions, it is not a detailed construction or capital plan. It is about making sure we’re building appropriately today with the future of the airport in mind. At its heart it is a blueprint that makes sure we are building the right thing, at the right time, in the right place,” she said.

“It is not a commitment to build certain assets, nor does it set out the business case for constructing infrastructure but lays out the direction of development for the airport. In that sense it is very different from our capital plan, which details what we are building, why we’re building it, the expected cost and delivery timeframes.

“Instead, the Master Plan creates a framework for the important discussions we need to have ahead of making investment decisions.  Given the complexity of building large, complex infrastructure with long lifespans, it is vital that when we come to consult and make investment decisions, we have an overall plan for how the individual assets will fit together.”

According to forecasts in the plan, annual passenger numbers are eventually expected to double to around 38 million, with freight volumes growing more than 40 per cent to 223,000 tonnes in 2047.

“This forecast information is used alongside other key drivers for infrastructure development, such as safety, resilience and enabling essential works,” Tuck said.

“The latest set of forecasts was completed in 2024.  Since then, we’ve continued to review and refine these projections, reflecting the evolving shape of the post-pandemic recovery.

“As part of our normal aeronautical planning process, we will continue to update and review our forecasts to ensure they reflect the most current information available, basing infrastructure needs on a rolling view of demand, adjusting as needed to consider new data and aviation trends.”

The airport earlier this year announced it would discount its aeronautical charges for the next two years after the NZ Commerce Commission found it was overcharging by around NZ$190 million ($172 million).

The fees have been at the centre of a row between Auckland Airport and its airline customers, with the airport arguing that upcoming price hikes are necessary to fund the terminal project.