Travellers are asked to prepare ahead of coming to Auckland Airport today, with more than 13,000 people expected to pass through the domestic terminal doors following the decision to move the Auckland region to Alert Level 3.
"We are asking that only those with travel booked for today to come to our terminals, to ensure that travellers and staff can maintain physical distancing, says general manager operations at Auckland AirportAnna Cassels-Brown.
“The wellbeing of everyone working and traveling through our terminals is our top priority. As well as leaving space between people who aren’t part of your travel group, we would strongly recommend travellers come prepared with a mask to wear in the terminal and on their flight,” she says.
Access to both terminals will be restricted to passengers travelling that day, with activities managed through the terminal to ensure physical distancing.
While the airport is considered an essential service and the airfield will continue to stay open for domestic and international flights, there will only be a limited range of food and beverage and shops selling essential items.
“With the limited retail options available it’s important that travellers consider carefully what they might need before they come to the airport. This means having a mask to wear in the terminal and on your flight and being aware that the usual food and beverage options are unlikely to be available.
“As we manage physical distancing and the changes to our operations we ask for patience and understanding from travellers. We are working hard to make sure everyone who needs to, can travel safely.”
While the remainder of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2, government have advised there will be restrictions on travel to and from Auckland:
- You can fly into Auckland on a domestic flight if you are returning home, an essential worker or are coming to Auckland to undertake an essential service
- You can travel in Auckland to catch an international flight departing from Auckland Airport
- You can also transit through Auckland Airport to catch an outbound international flight
- You can transit through Auckland Airport domestically on flights, but must not leave at Auckland unless you live in Auckland or are undertaking essential travel
- You can leave on a departing flight out of Auckland Airport if you are travelling home or are leaving to undertake an essential service.