Airport hits out at criticism of its big expansion plans

• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Publication title: Bay of Plenty Times

“Auckland International Airport is trying to be like Singapore, and in doing so is going to hit the pockets of the travelling public and commercial aviation operators to get the revenue they need to build an airport like Changi,” says the association’s chief executive, Simon Wallace

He said the proposed expansion plans were grandiose, unnecessary and needed a dose of reality. While larger airlines using Auckland Airport are affected, the proposal impacts a range of other operations, including air ambulance and emergency services, commuter and regional carriers, vital freight activities and other general aviation activities by smaller aircraft such as survey operations.

There was no question that Auckland International Airport’s terminals need upgrading, and at peak times congestion is a problem, especially at the domestic terminal, Wallace said.

A terminal expansion that will cost billions of dollars over 10 years is excessive and will only result in the travelling public and aviation operators, small and large, paying more.

But Auckland Airport returned serve. “This is the latest move from airline lobby groups, looking to delay much needed infrastructure investment at New Zealand’s gateway airport,” said a spokeswoman. Auckland Airport was building the resilient gateway New Zealand needs.

She described it as careful, sensible investment that is benchmarked and supports regional airlines to run their businesses, including transport, terminals, runway and utility (aircraft fuelling) and airfield upgrades. “Most importantly we are building a new domestic jet terminal that will increase capacity by 26 per cent, enabling choice and competition for travellers — that’s what keeps airfares in check,” the spokeswoman said.

As airports are user-pays systems, only passenger airlines will pay for the new terminal infrastructure and only when it is completed and in use.

Wallace said as it currently stands, the terminal expansion would provide little real benefit for the smaller regional...