Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand

Christchurch International Airport's new integrated domestic and international terminal is an important part of a ten-year development plan to provide airport customers with improved facilities, retail offerings and services. Located in the heart of South Island, this initiative will enhance New Zealand's position as a leading tourist destination.

Airport terminal development

Building the state-of-the-art airport terminal began in May 2009 and will be complete before the Rugby World Cup, to be held in New Zealand in 2011. With the development of a new airport terminal, Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) sets new standards for quality and efficiency.

Hawkins Construction Ltd, was appointed as the main building contractor; according to CIAL's chief executive officer, Jim Boult. CIAL made certain that design and functionality of the new terminal would meet all customer requirements, spending nearly four years planning and designing the new terminal. A new car-park building was unveiled in December 2006, marking the completion of the first stage of construction work.

Revamped check-in counters and retail spaces

New check-in counters and revamped retail spaces will allow domestic and international passengers to share services. The new terminal will also have a shared arrival hall with a new layout to improve passenger movement.

The new design has a turboprop gate lounge for regional passengers to check in at, while also using the main building services. The departure area on level one includes several cafes and large retail outlets in a pleasing environment.

First stage of completion

The ground floor of the new terminal has an integrated domestic and international check-in hall, while the first floor has an expansive dining and retail area. These are due to begin operation by 2011. This would mark the first stage of completion of the new terminal, after which, the existing domestic terminal would be demolished.

There will be no service disruption during the construction phase and the airport will be able to cater to the peak passenger demands expected throughout the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Seamless access between the two terminals is facilitated by the large walkways encircling the construction area.

Development plans and service improvements

A one-point integrated international and domestic check-in counters and several kiosks will be located in one check-in hall. New automatic sortation technology in the baggage handling system will also be put in place. Construction of a food and beverage and retail precinct is underway.

The new terminal will feature a large domestic departure and arrival lounge. The international level will have an expanded baggage claim hall, and an MAF / customs arrival and processing area.

There will be direct internal access from international arrivals to the domestic gates to provide a smoother transfer for transit passengers. There will also be an expanded domestic baggage claim area.

A new taxiway has been incorporated into the domestic aircraft parking apron, to make best use of its efficiency, and to avoid delay in airline departures.

Car parking

The expansion plans include a 40% increase in car parking. Undercover parking will be available in the multilevel parking building, while undercover passenger drop-off will be on the ground floor of the parking building. About 520 new premium car-parking spaces will be available in this facility. The pedestrian plaza will link the car park and terminal. A new 45m-high control tower will also be constructed.

Security

Stringent security measures have been implemented, with strict baggage screening for all passengers on domestic as well as international flights. In line with the ICAO's guidelines, the terminal frontage road will be closed for security purposes.