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Auckland Airport has finished the first stage of its international arrivals overhaul with the aim of streamlining the process for passengers.
The airport has opened a new “nothing to declare” express lane with detector dog screening, as well as new and expanded “back-of-stage” areas. Travellers with items to declare must still go through existing customs lanes.
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“The first step expands the arrivals footprint and streamlines the express pathway for eligible travellers with nothing to declare,” said Auckland Airport’s chief operating officer, Chloe Surridge.
“Behind the scenes, we’ve reconfigured and upgraded operational areas to support growth as well as continuous improvement for border processes.”
The new arrivals area builds on the enhanced New Zealand Traveller Declaration as well as risk assessment procedures introduced in 2023.
“Over the last two years, the median processing time, from entering Customs to exiting the arrivals hall, has reduced 49 per cent for travellers, from 28 minutes 47 seconds to just under 15 minutes (data from June 2023 vs June 2025),” Auckland Airport said.
“Over the past year, median processing times are nearly eight per cent faster (June 2024 vs. June 2025).”
The first stage includes approximately 1,300m2 of upgraded floor area, a new truck dock, and new staff security screening facilities.
“While they’re well out of public view, these facilities, including new non-passenger screening and security, are just as important for the smooth and efficient running of the airport,” Surridge said.
According to Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north, the new arrivals area “supports changes that enhance both biosecurity and the traveller experience”.
“As technology evolves, including advances in scanning solutions and the continued increase in the use of the electronic New Zealand Traveller declaration, these facilities help us protect New Zealand’s $60 billion primary industry from pests and diseases, while keeping low-risk travellers moving.”
The airport says its NZ$3.9 billion terminal overhaul program will link the international and new domestic terminals, adding more capacity and simpler connections.
When completed in 2028–29, the integrated terminal will replace the old domestic terminal, much of which dates from the 1960s and 70s.
