Auckland Airport’s New Domestic Jet Terminal Unveiled

Exciting times lie ahead for Auckland Airport and the broader construction industry, with a monumental five-year, $800 million NZ construction project now underway. This ambitious venture is set to transform the airport’s infrastructure with the development of a new Domestic Jet Terminal. The project, awarded to Downer’s subsidiary, Hawkins Limited, marks a significant milestone for both the airport and Hawkins, who have been collaborating closely since February 2022 through the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase.

As part of this cutting-edge project, Hawkins will operate under a collaborative contract model, allowing for seamless coordination with customer-supplied design drawings. The construction will be split into three primary packages of work: a new Headhouse, a 240-metre gate pier, and essential landside civil works. These upgrades are poised to redefine the travel experience for passengers, with the terminal offering 44% more processing space and 26% more airline seat capacity. An additional 10% flexible seating will be provided through bus lounge operations, ensuring an airport that is not only modern but adaptable to future growth.

For many travellers, a key benefit of this redevelopment will be the convenience of a short indoor walk between domestic and international flights—a game-changer for seamless travel. This investment in Auckland Airport represents more than just bricks and mortar; it signals a commitment to delivering a world-class travel hub that will meet the needs of future generations. The new terminal, which will be the first built in nearly 50 years, highlights years of meticulous planning and consultation with major airlines to ensure it meets both passenger and airline requirements.

With work officially starting this month, the project is set for completion in 2029, with trade packages being progressively tendered to the subcontractor market. This open-book approach not only creates transparency but also provides significant opportunities for subcontractors across New Zealand, ensuring that the benefits of this project are felt widely across the construction sector.

This development is a great example of innovation in construction, teamwork, and forward-thinking within the infrastructure and aviation sectors. For Hawkins, this continues their legacy of contributing to critical infrastructure that serves the public good. The Domestic Jet Terminal will provide a much-needed upgrade to Auckland Airport and cater to the growing number of passengers who choose to travel to and from this hub.

For the recruitment and construction industries, projects like this represent more than just physical achievements—they symbolise opportunities. From new trade contracts to long-term employment, this development promises to bring opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration for years to come. As Auckland prepares to welcome this new era of travel, the future looks bright not only for the airport but also for the people who will help make this vision a reality.