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Auckland Airport is preparing for increased passenger volumes over the April school holidays, with domestic travel expected to lead growth as Easter demand lifts visitor numbers.
The airport says passenger volumes are likely to be higher than the same period last year, with domestic departures forecast to rise by more than 13 per cent and domestic arrivals by nearly 12 per cent. International arrivals are also expected to increase by around 4 per cent.
Peak travel period
The busiest overall departure day is expected to be April 2, with arrivals peaking on April 19, reflecting typical holiday travel patterns.
Domestic travel is expected to be busiest on April 3, 2 and 17, while international departures are forecast to peak on April 2.
Infrastructure and processing improvements
The holiday period follows a strong summer for the airport, with improved processing times and reduced queues across security and border control.
Chief operations officer Chloe Surridge says travel times through key processing points were reduced by up to 25 per cent compared with the previous summer.
The improvements reflect coordinated work across agencies including Customs, Immigration and Aviation Security, alongside the introduction of new screening technology and expanded use of eGates.
Check-in upgrades underway
The airport is also beginning a staged upgrade of its international check-in area, part of a wider programme expected to take more than two years.
The project will introduce increased use of technology and upgraded passenger facilities, while construction takes place alongside ongoing operations of up to 16,000 international travellers per day.
Additional staff and temporary check-in areas will be in place during peak periods to manage demand.
Tourism outlook
The increase in passenger volumes reflects continued recovery in travel demand, with school holidays and major events periods remaining key drivers of domestic and inbound tourism activity.
