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More than 50 years after its original construction, Auckland Airport has officially opened its most significant airfield expansion.
The new apron, taxiway and runway area adds the equivalent of 23 rugby fields to the existing 1.4 million square metre network. It creates parking for up to 11 jets and strengthens cargo connections between road and airfield.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says the project is a milestone for the country’s gateway airport.
“Right now, New Zealand’s international connectivity is still recovering to reach and surpass 2019 levels, but we are optimistic for the future with long-term growth on the horizon. Key international airline partners tell us they are preparing to take delivery of new aircraft over the coming years, including one with an order of around 150 planes.
“This growth presents an important opportunity for New Zealand, and AKL’s airfield investment means we will have the right infrastructure in place at the right time to support efficient operations while strengthening the country’s travel and trade connections,” says Carrie.
The newly opened airfield includes five MARS (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System) stands, each with jet fuel connections and electricity provision, plus one unserviced stand.
“The availability of these stands increases our airfield efficiency, allowing aircraft with longer layovers to move off the terminal gates and park here to prepare for outbound flights, particularly during peak periods,” says Carrie.
The new apron sits alongside Auckland Airport’s developing cargo precinct, directly linked by a new airside road and secure access.
“Cargo is an important, if sometimes less visible, part of international connectivity. Around 80 per cent of New Zealand’s air cargo still travels in the belly of passenger aircraft – much of it high-value produce such as flowers, salmon and cherries. By creating an efficient, integrated cargo hub we’re helping New Zealand businesses grow, with faster turnaround times and closer coordination between airlines, freight companies and ground handlers,” says Carrie.
Auckland Airport handles more than $26 billion in trade annually, making it New Zealand’s third-largest port by cargo value. By 2032, this is expected to rise above $41 billion.
The project also clears the way for construction of the new domestic jet terminal, including a 240-metre pier with 12 jet gates and an 80,000 m² apron, delivering 26 per cent more seat capacity than the existing terminal.
Building the airfield
Airfield programme director Jason Dardis says the northern expansion was built to take the weight of the largest passenger aircraft.
“The airfield has a pavement build-up of about one metre with the top layer being half a metre of concrete. In some areas, where we installed services and a 4.4km stormwater system, we excavated down to six metres. We poured enough concrete to fill more than 25 Olympic swimming pools and moved more than a million cubic metres of soil,” says Jason.
Recycling was a major part of the build, with 108,000 tonnes of old runway concrete crushed and reused to help form the foundation layer, avoiding thousands of truck trips and reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
Construction began in 2019, paused during the pandemic, and restarted in mid-2022. At peak, around 600 workers were on site each day.
“It’s been a huge team effort and a significant step in preparing the airport for the future,” says Jason.
Future ready
While five of the new stands are fully serviced with fuel connections – including Sustainable Aviation Fuel capability – they do not yet connect directly to the terminal via airbridges. Provision has been made in the design for future conversion to contact stands.
“As part of our master planning process, we anticipate a time when more contact stands will be needed. The design of Pier B on the international terminal already allows for additional gate lounges and aircraft gates to be added to the northern side as demand grows,” says Carrie.
The expansion also sets the foundation for potential future projects, including additional serviced stands and eventual connection to a second runway.
