First phase of AKL’s arrivals upgrade goes live, strengthening border protections

2025-08-22

In collaboration with Biosecurity New Zealand and New Zealand Customs Service, the first stage of work to upgrade Auckland Airport’s international terminal arrivals area is now complete, with an upgraded ‘nothing to declare’ express lane
Delivery also includes dog-assisted biosecurity screening and improved back-of-house areas, with more work to be carried out
New truck dock for international terminal deliveries also now open with improved access.

Auckland Airport has completed the first phase of improvements to the international arrivals areas, delivered in partnership with Biosecurity New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service.
The upgrade includes an enhanced “nothing to declare” express lane supported by detector dog screening, alongside new and expanded back-of-house areas that set up the next stages of work.

Auckland Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Chloe Surridge, said the enhancements focus on efficiency and traveller experience while maintaining robust border protection. “The first step expands the arrivals footprint and streamlines the express pathway for eligible travellers with nothing to declare. Behind the scenes we’ve reconfigured and upgraded operational areas to support growth as well as continuous improvement for border processes,” she said.

The improved express lane builds on the risk assessment process first introduced at Auckland Airport in 2023 and is supported by the electronic New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Over the last two years, the median processing time, from entering Customs to exiting the arrivals hall, has reduced 49% for travellers, from 47 minutes to just under 15 minutes (data from June 2023 vs June 2025). Over the past one year, median processing times are nearly 8% faster (June 2024 vs. June 2025).

Eligible travellers are directed through upgraded facilities for biosecurity screening by detector dogs, before exiting into the public arrivals hall. Travellers with items to declare, or who are not eligible for the express lane, continue to be processed through Biosecurity New Zealand’s dedicated screening lanes. Included in the first phase is approximately 1,300m2 of upgraded floor area across the arrivals hall, a new truck dock to improve terminal logistics, new staff security screening facilities, creating capacity for further improvements to follow. The project enables a second phase of work to further refurbish areas not included in this project, while maintaining operational capacity.

Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner, North said: “The upgraded arrivals area supports changes that enhance both biosecurity and the traveller experience. As technology evolves, including advances in scanning solutions and the continued increase in the use of the electronic New Zealand Traveller declaration, these facilities help us protect New Zealand’s $60 billion primary industry from pests and diseases, while keeping low-risk travellers moving.”

Dana McDonald, Customs Group Manager Border Operations, said: “Customs welcomes this upgrade which will further support efficient processing while maintaining border security. Coupled with our eGates now open to 48 countries and territories, and more passengers completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, these enhanced facilities help pave the way to a smoother arrival into Auckland.”

New western truck dock now open
As part of the wider upgrade programme, a new western loading dock is operational, improving access for international terminal deliveries and creating space for waste handling facilities for materials such as recycling, organics and non-biosecurity waste.

With six parking bays, it allows vehicles to be turned around in 15-20 minutes. The old facility is now closed and is part of the footprint of the new domestic jet terminal. “While they’re well out of public view, these facilities, including new non-passenger screening and security, are just as important for the smooth and efficient running of the airport,” said Ms Surridge.

Future AKL website
With $5.7 billion of aeronautical development planned through to 2032, Auckland Airport has launched an interactive virtual model showing the planned upgrades. The platform also includes information on the master plan out to 2047. “The virtual animation gives a bird’s eye view of the AKL precinct and the ability for customers to see different infrastructure projects and what they mean. There’s in-depth information and it shows the big picture upgrades to the country’s gateway,” said Ms Surridge.