Auckland Airport is encouraging travellers to consider alternative modes of transport to the airport over the remainder of the July school holidays, with the airport experiencing the largest surge in demand for carparking since 2019.
Demand for carparking bookings at Auckland Airport’s long-term parking facility Park & Ride has risen by 87 per cent this month, compared to the number of bookings in July 2019 before the pandemic.
“We’re really excited to be welcoming travellers back for the July school holidays and while everyone in aviation is doing their best to keep up, we are experiencing some challenges with unprecedented demand for carparking,” says Auckland Airport general manager – customer Scott Tasker.
“In line with overseas trends, we’re seeing more travellers head to the airport by private vehicle, with people increasingly booking carparking in advance and staying for much longer than usual. For example, the duration of carparking stays for international travellers has increased by 42 per cent compared to July 2019, with customers staying an average of 16 days rather than 11 days.
“ Meanwhile, over at the domestic terminal, the duration of carparking stays have been 24 per cent higher this month compared to July 2019.”
Scott says the surge in demand means carparking capacity is now limited at Auckland Airport, with no further online bookings expected to be available until July 24, 2022, at domestic and international carparks. He says valet bookings have also now closed, with demand spiking 34 per cent higher this month compared to July 2019 and staffing shortages reducing availability of the service.
“We want to avoid unnecessary disruption as much as possible for customers heading out to the airport and wanting to park their car, which is why we’re letting people know in advance.
“With limited availability we are encouraging people to please consider alternative forms of transport to the airport, such as a taxi, rideshare or SkyDrive bus, which operates to and from the Auckland CBD. Or, travellers can take advantage of half price public transport fares to take the train-bus connection via Puhinui Station and AirportLink.”
Scott says pickup/drop off areas will continue to run as normal, with parking for the following groups prioritised over the next two weeks:
1. Customers with existing carparking bookings will be catered for.
2. Mobility Parking Permit holders can still access the Mobility Valet service operating from the international terminal.
3. Meeters and farewellers requiring short-stay parking at the international and domestic terminals will be accommodated.
