Auckland Airport has completed the first stage of upgrades to its international terminal arrivals area, in collaboration with Biosecurity New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service.
The improvements include a reconfigured “nothing to declare” express lane, supported by detector dog screening, as well as expanded operational areas behind the scenes.
A new truck dock for international terminal deliveries has also opened, improving access and logistics.
Auckland Airport Chief Operating Officer, Chloe Surridge, said: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.
The upgraded express lane builds on a risk assessment system first introduced at Auckland Airport in 2023, and is supported by the electronic New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
Data shows that the median processing time for arriving passengers has reduced by 49% over the past two years, from 28 minutes 47 seconds in June 2023 to just under 15 minutes in June 2025. Year-on-year, processing times were nearly 8% faster in June 2025 compared with June 2024.
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.
Travellers eligible for the express pathway are screened by detector dogs before exiting into the arrivals hall. Those with items to declare, or who are not eligible, continue to be processed through Biosecurity New Zealand’s standard screening channels.
The first stage of work covers approximately 1,300m² of upgraded floor area and also includes new staff security screening facilities, creating capacity for further improvements in subsequent phases.
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.
The upgrade programme’s new western loading dock, now operational, will improve international terminal deliveries and provide space for waste handling facilities such as recycling, organics and non-biosecurity waste.
With six parking bays, the dock enables vehicle turnaround in 15–20 minutes. The old loading dock has been closed and will form part of the new domestic jet terminal site.
Auckland Airport has also launched an interactive digital model of its planned upgrades. With 5.7 billion NZD of aeronautical development planned through to 2032, and a master plan extending to 2047, the platform provides an overview of the airport precinct and forthcoming infrastructure projects.
