New Zealand is making significant strides in easing international entry requirements to stimulate emerging tourism and business events markets. Still, one market remains paramount: Australia, which accounts for 42% of international visitors.
The Australian market has shown a strong recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, but Aussie visitation to New Zealand has so far reached only 92% of 2019 levels.
In his presentation at the MEETINGS 2025 Kōrero event in Auckland, Scott Tasker of Auckland Airport delivered a comprehensive update on air capacity, connectivity, and infrastructure developments.
He highlighted the surge in US visitation, with 379,000 visitors in the year ending February, setting new records. Seven airlines now operate North America-Auckland routes, with Tasker and Rene’s team reporting robust summer booking intakes following recent airline visits.
The Australian market’s recovery has been further supported by the New Zealand government’s Tourism Growth Roadmap, which includes additional funding for business events and tourism initiatives.
Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker
Overall, global tourism has nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion travellers in 2024, despite an 11% fall in global aircraft capacity. Auckland Airport has outpaced this recovery, with passenger volumes increasing by 10% year-on-year, surpassing the 7% growth in seat capacity.
Tasker detailed the extensive infrastructure developments underway at Auckland Airport, which align with other national projects such as those in Ōtautahi Christchurch and the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
The integrated domestic jet terminal, now 30% complete, promises to increase gate capacity by 26% and passenger processing capabilities by 44%. Local company DNH is employing advanced Subar welding techniques for structural steel fabrication, showcasing the project’s commitment to cutting-edge construction methods.
The northern expansion of the airfield, covering an area equivalent to 23 rugby fields, will significantly enhance aircraft parking space. A new transport hub, capable of handling 8000 vehicles daily, has already improved airport access and parking. Tasker emphasized the economic impact of these developments, noting that each new daily wide-body air service could contribute NZ$150 million to the economy, with belly hold freight adding another NZ $500 million in goods movement.
Despite the challenges of managing construction while handling 19 million passengers annually, 40,000 daily vehicle movements, and 20,000 on-site workers, Auckland Airport has maintained its commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. This dedication was recognised by its 4th place ranking in Skytrax’s 10-20 million passenger category.
Written by Peter Needham at MEETINGS in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
