The move has been hailed by airlines, by the travelling public and by the Australian Airports Association (AAA).
Having received the green light, the airport will focus on improving the arrivals and departures experience for international passengers. Watpac has been appointed as the project builder, and is expected to move on site within the next two weeks. The project completion date is 2021.
In a statement yesterday, the airport said international upgrades would include a second, longer baggage belt for arrivals, more space for emigration and immigration processing, expanded security screening, a larger duty free precinct for arrivals and departures, and expanded dining and retail options.
Gate 18 will become a permanent international gate and will be the focus of the improved retail and boarding facilities. Other international gates will continue to utilise Adelaide Airport’s swing-gate system to allow both international and domestic operations.
The expansion will also see a complete refurbishment of retail areas, expanding by over 80% the overall size of the terminal’s retail and dining precinct across domestic and international areas.
Other improvements include:
- A new common user premium international lounge;
- New VIP facilities for international arrivals and departures;
- Relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge;
- Expansion of office space for terminal tenants including airlines and regulatory agencies.
Adelaide Airport managing director, Mark Young, said the terminal expansion would ensure the airport provided the highest level of customer experience for all travellers well into the future.“Our aim is to provide a seamless, connected experience from the time you drive into the airport until you board your aircraft, and vice versa,” he said.
“Since we opened the existing terminal in 2005, our overall passenger numbers have increased by close to 50%. Our international passenger numbers alone have almost tripled over the same period.”
Adelaide Airport Chairman, Rob Chapman, said creating additional space would open up more options when negotiating new services and destinations with international airline partners.
Virgin Australia Airlines group executive, Rob Sharp, described the terminal expansion and relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge as a major win for travellers.
“The airport experience is an important part of our guests’ overall travel experience and the terminal upgrade will only further enhance the ground experience for our guests travelling through Adelaide,” he said.
The Australian Airports Association (AAA) welcomed the announcement, with AAA chief executive Caroline Wilkie saying the expansion would meet the needs of future passenger growth while supporting South Australia’s visitor economy.
“This is great news for South Australian travellers and the many businesses that rely on the local tourism industry,” she said.
“With international passengers travelling through Adelaide Airport almost tripling since 2005, it’s clear there is strong interest in what South Australia has to offer tourists seeking unique experiences.
Wilkie said the expansion would ensure the terminal could meet the changing needs of both passengers and airlines.
“Adelaide Airport has worked very closely with its partners to deliver a design that will provide efficiency for airlines, while making the passenger’s journey through the airport an easy and seamless one,” she said.
