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Auckland Airport has revealed plans for a major overhaul to its check-in area as works continue on its massive terminal integration project.
Dubbed the “most significant transformation of the departure hall since the 1970s”, the project will see the installation of common-use self-service kiosks and automated bag drops to replace around 60 existing check-in desks by the end of the decade.
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“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to completely reimagine the check-in experience and ensure New Zealand’s gateway airport is fit for the future,” said airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui.
“We’re delivering what travellers now expect from the world’s leading airports – a fast, seamless check-in experience, powered by smart technology and supported by great people.
“Alongside expanding the check-in space, we’re introducing a digital overhaul that will smooth the experience for travellers and sets us on the path to adopting future technologies such as biometrics.
“It’s a big change and as we prepare for the future, we’re modernising right to the core of our systems.”
According to Auckland Airport, airlines will see benefits including automatic document checks, less manual processing, and a reduced chance of ineligible travellers reaching the gates.
“The technology has already been rolled out in one check-in zone, replacing 30 desks with 36 kiosks and 22 bag drops. Feedback from early-adopter airlines has been used to refine the design and processes for the wider rollout,” the airport said.
“An important feature is common-use flexibility. The new kiosks and bag drops can be used by different airlines throughout the day, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure duplication.”
The check-in hall will be shared by domestic and international passengers once the airport’s terminal integration project is complete. The international terminal is currently used by 27 airlines flying to 42 destinations.
“While we will be expanding and refreshing the terminal, moving away from traditional desk-based check-in gives us the opportunity to free up floor space, ease queuing pressure and improve flow,” said Hurihanganui.
“Internationally we are seeing work towards digital passports and digital travel credentials, integrating biometric data and cryptographic algorithms to ensure information is kept private and secure.
“Building on ePassports, this technology allows for a more streamlined, faster authorisation at processing points such as check-in, border transitions and aircraft boarding.
“This is the direction airports globally are heading, with Changi Airport, Dubai and Heathrow all showing how terminal upgrades drive the shift to self-service.”
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.
