Construction starts on Adelaide Airport terminal expansion
Construction has officially started at Adelaide Airport on their A$165 million terminal expansion, which will significantly upgrade international arrivals and departures, and create more retail and dining options for both domestic and international travellers.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young, was this morning joined by Watpac Construction South Australia State Manager, Tim Tape, to ‘turn the first sod’ directly under the future location of the new international departures entry point.
International upgrades will include a second, longer baggage belt for arrivals, more space for emigration and immigration processing, expanded security screening, a larger duty free precinct
for arrivals and departures, and expanded dining and retail options.
Gate 18 will become a permanent international gate and will be the focus of the improved retail and boarding facilities. Other international gates will continue to utilise Adelaide Airport’s unique
swing gate system to allow both international and domestic operations.
The expansion will also see a complete refurbishment of retail areas, resulting in a more than 80 per cent increase in the overall size of the terminal’s retail and dining precinct across domestic
and international areas.
Other improvements include:
- A new common user premium international lounge;
- New VIP facilities for international arrivals and departures;
- Relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge; and
- Expansion of office space for terminal tenants including airlines and regulatory agencies.
Mr Young said the terminal expansion will ensure the airport provides the highest level of customer experience for all travellers well into the future. “Our aim is to provide a seamless, connected experience from the time you drive into the airport until you board your aircraft, and vice versa,” Mr Young said.
“Significant planning and years of discussions with our key partners – including airlines, retailers and regulatory agencies – has allowed us to reach the start of construction today.
“Initial construction works will largely be adjacent the existing terminal in the location of the recently demolished former international terminal building, so disruptions to our customers should be minimal.
“We’ll provide regular updates to our customers as works move into the existing terminal space. We’ve carefully planned the sequence of construction activities to help ensure our customers are
still able to access facilities and move efficiently through the terminal at all times.”
Mr Tape said Watpac was delighted to be working with Adelaide Airport to deliver a precinct which will offer premium facilities for travellers.
“Our experience in building major projects, including the Adelaide Airport multi-storey car park and link bridge back in 2013, ensures we have the right capabilities in place to deliver an outstanding facility for both locals and travellers alike,” Mr Tape said.
“This project is an important addition to the Group’s national contracting portfolio and we are very pleased to be officially commencing works on site today.
“There is a real sense of excitement within the project team, particularly given the terrific opportunity to be involved in such an important long term project for South Australia.”
