‘Changing places’: Passport Control and Security swap positions to allow for future-ready border process in integrated terminal  

Transformation at Auckland Airport is continuing, with changes now underway in the heart of the international terminal as the airport prepares for its future integrated departures experience.  

Over time, international travellers will begin moving through security screening before passport control — the reverse of today’s process — as Auckland Airport prepares for a future where domestic jet and international travel operate side-by-side within the same terminal.  

For travellers, the journey will remain familiar. International passengers will still complete both security screening and passport checks before departure, with no changes to what they need to do before flying.  

Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge said the project, which is nicknamed ‘the Flip’, is another major step in bringing domestic jet travel and international travel under one roof. 
“The domestic jet terminal is one of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure projects currently underway, and once open, will bring our domestic jet and international travellers together within a single integrated terminal,” said Ms Surridge. 

“The changes we’re making through the passport control area will support a future-ready border process. By end-2027, all international travellers will go through security screening first and then proceed through passport control for border processing, and some construction activity will continue through this area to the start of 2029. This change in sequencing will pave the way for how travellers are processed through the new terminal, within one building.” 
 
Supporting a future-ready border process 
The project is being worked on collaboratively with New Zealand Customs Service and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) - who provides the Aviation Security Service (AvSec) - and will align Auckland Airport’s departure process with many airports globally where security screening takes place before border control. 

“We’re working closely with Customs and CAA to align the departure process with many international airports. The change will ensure New Zealand’s gateway airport is fit for the future, and it makes sense for this change to happen now, while the new integrated terminal is being built.” said Ms Surridge. 

New Zealand Customs Service Assistant Comptroller Air Operations, Craig Chitty, said the change to security screening first will create a safer environment for both travellers and staff. 

“This sequencing is considered international best practice to help support a smoother customer experience. It creates a clearer separation between security screening and border control functions, and it supports greater safety for all.  

“Customs is also about to embark on our eGate replacement programme at Auckland Airport, so aligning the upgrades of our eGates with ‘the Flip’ project will help minimise disruption throughout the transition.” 

CAA Deputy Chief Executive, Aviation Security, Fred Stein said putting security screening before passport control strengthens aviation security by identifying prohibited items and potential threats earlier. 

“It reduces the risk of unscreened passengers reaching secure areas and strengthens the layers of security that help keep passengers and New Zealand’s aviation system safe.” 
 

A staged transition to keep travellers moving 
The project is being undertaken in carefully planned stages to minimise disruption and get travellers on their way.   

“Maintaining a smooth and predictable experience for travellers is important as we make this change, and we’re working closely with New Zealand Customs Service and CAA on the operational plan,” said Ms Surridge. 

“Our key message to travellers is that there’s nothing extra you need to do. At different stages of the transition, you may follow different pathways as you enter the passport control area, depending on where works are underway, but your journey remains familiar. Just follow the signs and staff directions on the day.” 

Assisted Passengers, APEC and Diplomatic passengers are now being processed through a new lane within the passport control area, adjacent to the current Premium Express Lane.  

To ensure there is support for assisted passengers throughout this transition, from approximately May 2027, for a period of around six months, there will be some adjustments to who can use the Premium Express Lane, which will be based on eGate eligibility. You can check your eligibility here. Auckland Airport is working with airlines on communicating the upcoming changes to their customers.  

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