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Christmas Travel at Auckland Airport

  • 2023-12-19

With just a few days until one of the busiest days at Auckland Airport this summer, here’s a reminder of the key information.


**Please contact Auckland Airport media team ASAP to book any pre-records or comment for this week. Details at end**


For anything over the break please contact the 24/7 Media Phone on: 027 406 3024


Media release covering summer travel period:

  • 'Tis the season for travel – Auckland Airport prepares for summer holidays | Auckland Airport - 14 December 2022

Top 3 days: international arrivals

  • 1st: Friday 22 December 2023
  • 2nd: Thursday 21 December 2023
  • 3rd: Sunday 7 January 2024

Top 3 days: international departures

  • 1st: Friday 22 December 2023
  • 2nd: Friday 5 January 2024
  • 3rd: Saturday 23 December 2023

Top 3 days: domestic arrivals

  • 1st: Thursday 14 December 2023
  • 2nd: Friday 15 December 2023
  • 3rd: Wednesday 27 December 2023

Top 3 days: domestic departures

  • 1st: Friday, 22 December 2022
  • 2nd: Thursday 21 December 2022
  • 3rd: Friday 15 December 2022

Our top three destinations (both arrivals and departures):

 

International:

  1. Australia
  2. US
  3. Pacific Islands

Domestic:

  1. Christchurch
  2. Wellington
  3. Queenstown

Tips for summer travel:
Arriving passengers

  • Complete the NZ Travel Declaration online ahead of your international flight to New Zealand
  • Travellers play an important role in protecting New Zealand's economic and environmental wellbeing by making sure bags are checked to ensure they don’t contain fruit or other items that could bring unwanted pests and diseases into the country. 
  • The easiest way to pick up arriving passengers is to use one of two Wait Zones. Located just a few minutes’ drive from either terminal, the Wait Zones give you 30 minutes free parking until your traveller lets you know they’re ready and waiting for pick-up. Look for the bright pink Wait Zone signs.

Departing passengers

  • Plan ahead! It’s going to be busier on the roads, car parks and terminals so don’t make a last-minute dash to the airport. Check traffic or public transport schedules, book your car park in advance, and give yourself plenty of time to check-in and get through security
  • Our car parks are busier during the holidays so if you plan on driving to the airport make sure you book parking in advance to get the best deal and double-check the journey to the car park – we’ve made a number of changes including closing the main international car park to build a new Transport Hub
  • Mobility card holders have the option of using the mobility valet for the same price as an international car park with the ease of parking right alongside the international terminal
  • When you’re packing your bags, double-check to make sure that what’s in your luggage can be carried on an aircraft – Aviation Security remove around 130,000 noncompliant items a year from passenger bags. And when you’re at the airport, help speed up the security process by getting ready for screening – get your laptop out of its case, empty keys, coins and phones from your pockets, and listen for staff instructions.
  • The Sunflower Hidden Disability lanyard is now recognised at Auckland Airport. Check out the resources and support available to help make travel easier for those with invisible disabilities.

Additional information:

  • Today: 27 airlines now flying from Auckland Airport to 42 international destinations 
  • Pre-COVID: 29 airlines, including seasonal carriers, heading to 43 international destinations (Jan 2020) 
  • 93% of 2019 international capacity 
  • North America: 26% more capacity available for travellers this summer than pre-pandemic.

For more information on what you can bring through security: What can I bring? | aviation.govt.nz
 

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COUNTRY / AREA
New Zealand
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Auckland Airport
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