First look: Checking in at Auckland Airport is going to be very different

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Auckland Airport is calling it a “once-in-a-generation” change, and the biggest upgrade of the departure hall since the 1970s.

Gone are the usual check-in desks, and in its place are dozens of self-service kiosks along with automated bag drops. Here’s a look at what travellers can expect to see.

What’s new?

A lot. Check-in desks will be scrapped and travellers will be able to use self-service kiosks that “lays the digital foundations for a technology-led travel future”.

Sixty traditional check-in desks will be replaced between now and the opening of the domestic jet terminal at the end of this decade.

Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui called it a milestone moment.

“We’re delivering what travellers now expect from the world’s leading airports – a fast, seamless check-in experience, powered by smart technology and supported by great people.”

New and improved technology allows the airport to automate document checks, as well as reducing manual processing.

Instead of queueing up for each individual airline, the new kiosks and bag drops can be used by different airlines throughout the day.

How long will it take?

The airport said over the next four years, the existing check-in hall “will be transformed, turning it into a 13,000m2 digital, user-focused departures area designed for the modern traveller”.

The new process will be for international and domestic customers.

There are 27 airlines currently operating from the international terminal.

Once the new domestic terminal opens, jet flights to New Zealand cities will also check in through this “centralised, modernised space”.

A new domestic jet terminal is expected to cost $2.2 billion overall, with a further $1.7 billion to cover the cost of integrating domestic and international travel.

That is part of the total $7-8 billion redevelopment at the airport over 10 years.

It’s already started.

In one corner of the terminal, the new technology is already being rolled out. Thirty desks are being replaced with 36 kiosks and 22 bag drops.

There’s going to be some disruption.

As you’d expect, all the changes mean construction work.

It’s going to a staged process but there will be a temporary check-in pavilion built adjoining the Transport Hub. Work on that begins later this year, with main construction on the terminal check-in areas starting early 2026.

Hurihanganui admits its a “complex project”, “but the health and safety of travellers and airport workers is our number one focus, along with keeping the system running smoothly”.

“The result will be worth it when we deliver a travel experience that’s up there with the world’s leading airports.”

But wait, there’s more…

The airport also showed off plans for a new entrance with construction due to start soon.