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Auckland Airport has reported progress on major infrastructure projects and international connectivity in its financial results for the six months to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Auckland Airport chair Julia Hoare says the first half of the financial year has delivered key milestones across the airport’s capital programme.
“The first half of the financial year has seen significant progress on our investment programme, with key aeronautical infrastructure projects delivered and our new domestic jet terminal build firmly on track.
“As New Zealand’s gateway airport, we have continued to work with airline partners to launch new international routes and services, strengthening our country’s connectivity to key global markets.
“Alongside ongoing improvements in operational performance, all of these changes are delivering real benefits for travellers and the wider New Zealand economy,” says Julia.
Chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says a key international development was the launch of China Eastern’s Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires service.
“The service places Auckland Airport at the heart of the world’s longest direct flight, delivering an estimated $110 million in benefits to New Zealand’s economy annually.
“Already the route is proving popular with travellers connecting from China via Auckland to Buenos Aires, as well as the estimated 40,000 South Americans living in New Zealand wanting to visit friends and family back home,” says Carrie.
International seat capacity increased 1.8 per cent during the half year compared with 2025, lifting non-transit passenger movements to 93 per cent of the same period in FY19.
Seat capacity to Australia grew 8.4 per cent on Air New Zealand services, with capacity to the Pacific Islands up 7.3 per cent. Jetstar and Qantas also increased seat capacity to Australia by 4 per cent and 7.3 per cent respectively.
Domestic jet seat capacity increased 5 per cent, or 181,000 seats, during the half year, although it remains at 93 per cent of the same period in FY19. Average jet airfares fell 6 per cent during the period.
Operational performance improved over the summer peak period from Monday, December 8 to Sunday, January 18. Median international departure processing times were 6.5 minutes, 21 per cent faster than the same period last year, while international arrivals were processed in a median time of 18 minutes, 10 per cent faster year on year. Domestic departures were processed in a median time of less than four minutes, 21 per cent faster than last year.
During the period, the airport commissioned a 250,000 square metre international airfield expansion, a new cargo access point, a stormwater network upgrade and a western truck dock. The $465 million airfield expansion opened in September 2025 and provides parking for 11 aircraft.
Construction of the integrated domestic jet terminal remains on track for completion in 2029. In November 2025, the project reached a milestone with a physical connection to the existing international terminal. Around 60,000 square metres of airfield has been temporarily closed to support construction works.
Carrie says construction activity at the international terminal will become more visible over the next 18 months, including the opening of a temporary check-in facility and changes to passenger access routes.
“Travellers can expect some temporary disruption as this complex work gets underway, particularly in international departures. We are working closely with airlines and government agency partners to minimise impacts as much as possible,” she says.
Auckland Airport narrowed its guidance for underlying profit after tax for FY26 to between $295 million and $320 million. Capital expenditure guidance has been narrowed to between $1 billion and $1.2 billion.
The airport’s commercial property portfolio reported an annualised rent roll of $195.4 million, occupancy of 99 per cent and a weighted average lease term of 8.7 years. Mānawa Bay maintained 99 per cent occupancy at December 31, 2025.
