(NEXT) AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 2026-Jun-12 — /Travel PR News/ — Auckland Airport is preparing to refresh the international departures experience, with new dining concepts, more seating, upgraded relaxation areas and sustainability improvements planned for the airside terminal.
According to a press release published by Auckland Airport, the redevelopment will cover the level one and level two airside departures areas and include more than 2,600 square metres of refreshed flooring, additional charging points and a 15% increase in seating. The work is expected to bring around 10 new or refurbished dining options to level one by the end of the year, taking the total number of airside eateries to 15.
The project reflects changing expectations among international travellers, many of whom now look for more comfortable pre-flight spaces, better food variety and easier access to device charging before boarding. Around 16,000 travellers depart Auckland Airport’s international terminal each day, with the airside dining precinct serving high daily volumes, including more than 1,500 burgers and over 6,000 servings of fries.
The airport said work will be carried out in stages to keep food and beverage services operating while temporary walls are installed around construction areas. Vantage Bar and Kitchen on level two has already been refurbished with updated furniture, a new layout and a warmer public-bar-style atmosphere overlooking the runway.
Sustainability is also central to the redevelopment. The level one dining area will introduce electric cooking as Auckland Airport works toward reducing gas-based kitchens across its terminal operations. The approach follows the airport’s zero-gas-cooking policy at Mānawa Bay, its outlet centre that opened in September 2024.
The airport is also expanding the use of reusable serveware across level one food and beverage outlets. Dining-in customers will receive reusable cutlery and crockery by default, supported by an onsite sorting and cleaning team. The initiative is intended to reduce waste sent to landfill and support Auckland Airport’s target of cutting aeronautical waste to landfill by 20% by 2030 compared with 2019 levels.
Food and compostable packaging currently account for around 30–40% of waste from terminal food and beverage outlets, making reusable service items a key part of the airport’s waste-reduction plan.
