Recovery ramps up: Airport continues to clear backlog as flight operations proceed normally overnight

• Normal flight operations overnight and this morning following heavy rain
• Around 26,000 international travellers expected to travel today; 111 international flights
• More than 76,000 travellers on their way since international terminal re-opened
• 180 Auckland Airport team members and volunteers have continued to provide around the clock support to stranded passengers, including stretchers and comfortable blankets to those sleeping overnight at the international terminal
  
  

Travellers were able to continue their journeys as planned with flight arrivals and departures operating normally at Auckland Airport overnight.

Following a day of intense preparation for potential further flooding, terminals were unaffected by a second significant downpour as airlines continued to work through a backlog of international flights.

“Getting to this point has reflected a phenomenal effort by all the teams involved from the airport, airlines and ground services, who have done a lot of manual lifting of baggage and other work in helping travellers,” Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui said.

“While the international terminal may largely look normal there is still significant work to be done in assessing and progressively safely reinstating all circuit boards, lifts and escalators.

“For the safety and comfort of everyone, we’re also going to need to pull up carpet, and other materials in some areas of the terminal. Remediation will take place for some time, but the airport will remain open throughout as we focus on helping travellers get to where they are going as quickly and safely as possible.

“Again, our sincere thanks to travellers for their patience and support as we work through this period and get all operations up to speed after the exceptional weather event of Friday night.”

Overnight there were 44 people sleeping inside the international terminal, who were provided with stretchers and blankets and supported by members of the Auckland Airport team throughout the night.

Key advice for travellers

• Auckland Airport’s domestic and international flight operations are open
• We recommend you pack any essential medication and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage just in case your travel is disrupted
• Check the Waka Kotahi website for the latest information on your route to the airport and AT for updates to the public transport network as there has been flooding on the roads.
• We ask that only travellers with an international flight booked and scheduled come to the international terminal
• Travellers are best to contact their airline or check airline apps or websites to reschedule flights
• Auckland Airport carparks and Park & Ride are open

Meeters and farewellers:

• If you are picking up family and friends, please assist us by using our Wait Zones rather than coming inside the terminal
• Please use the terminal pick-up / drop-off area for farewells
• If it is necessary to provide some assistance or a hug to arriving or departing passengers, please follow the parking signs to park at Car Park D and E and use the large covered walkway directly opposite the terminal
• Before driving to the airport, please check the Waka Kotahi website for the latest travel update on your route as there has been flooding on the roads.

ENDS