Considering a trip? Auckland Airport stands ready to whisk you away. Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s largest and busiest airport. Over 16 million passengers passed through in the year ending August 2023.
Auckland Airport began humbly. In 1928, the Auckland Aero Club leased land from a dairy farmer. They needed space for their three De Havilland Gypsy Moths. The club president praised the site. It had good approaches and drainage. It was free from power lines and fog. This area was initially known as Mangere Aerodrome.
Before Auckland Airport, Whenuapai served as Auckland’s civilian airport. However, hills limited its suitability for newer aircraft. Sir Frederick Tymms recommended a purpose-built airport. Māngere was chosen as the new location in 1958.
Construction began in 1960. Much of the runway is on reclaimed land from the Manukau Harbour. The first flight departed in November 1965. An Air New Zealand DC-8 headed for Sydney. The airport officially opened in January 1966. A grand air pageant celebrated the occasion.
Initially, the runway was 2,591 metres long. It extended westward to 3,292 metres in 1973. Qantas initiated the first scheduled Boeing 747 service in December 1972. A new international terminal was built in 1977. It was named after Jean Batten. Before this, all flights used the current domestic terminal.
Auckland Airport once had its own radio station. In 1990, it bought the Radio Hauraki frequency 1476 AM. The station broadcast flight information from the domestic terminal.
Today, Auckland Airport has two terminals. They are the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. The terminals are about 500 metres apart. A free shuttle bus connects them. A signposted walkway is also available. The airport has 65 gates. 23 have jetbridges. 42 are remote stands for parking.
The International Terminal has three levels. Departures are on the eastern half. Arrivals occupy the western half. Passengers check in on the ground floor. They proceed to the first floor for immigration and security. Departure gates are on the second floor. Arriving passengers pass through immigration on the first floor. They claim baggage and clear customs on the ground floor. Each international pier features a tomokanga. This Māori carved gateway welcomes passengers to New Zealand.
Auckland Airport connects to many destinations. There are 23 domestic and 41 international destinations. These span North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Air New Zealand operates the most departures. Jetstar and Qantas follow.
Auckland Airport is more than a transit point. It is a vital piece of infrastructure. It offers thousands of jobs. It facilitates connections across New Zealand and the world. Auckland Airport is constantly evolving. It adapts to meet the needs of modern air travel. So as you pass through, remember its history. Consider its future. Auckland Airport is ready for your journey.