Adelaide Airport is set to give its main terminal facilities a major overhaul following confirmation of a new A$165 million (US$124.7 million) expansion plan that is expected to begin in the coming weeks and complete in 2021.
The enhancement project, which will expand the terminal’s overall footprint by some 16,500 sqm, will notably include a significant upgrade to the airport’s international arrivals and departures facilities at its main terminal. The airport’s retail and dining options for international and domestic travellers alike are also set to get a massive expansion, growing in size by more than 80 per cent.
Among the most notable changes is the relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge. Speaking about the expansion, Virgin Australia Airlines group executive, Rob Sharp, said: “The airport experience is an important part of our guests’ overall travel experience and the terminal upgrade will only further enhance the ground experience for our guests travelling through Adelaide.”
“The relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge presents an exciting opportunity and we look forward to sharing more details on our plans in due course.”
Adelaide Airport’s terminal expansion will also see the addition of “a new common user premium international lounge” and new VIP facilities for international arrivals and departures.
A second, longer baggage belt in the arrivals area, an expanded immigration and security screening area – relocated from the current check-in Level 2 to Level 1 – and larger duty-free spaces for both arrivals and departures will also be implemented.
“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,” said Mark Young, managing director of Adelaide Airport.
“Since we opened the existing terminal in 2005, our overall passenger numbers have increased by close to 50 per cent. Our international passenger numbers alone have almost tripled over the same period.”
Much of the expansion is focused on adding passenger capacity within the terminal building itself rather than gate capacity, which Young said is still “sufficient” at the airport. The works will see Gate 18 switch to become a permanent international gate, however all other international gates will continue to offer the airport’s “swing gate” system that enables them to function for both international and domestic purposes.
That being said, Adelaide Airport chairman Rob Chapman noted that these expansions would provide the airport with more options when negotiating new services and destinations with international carriers.
“This is by far our biggest infrastructure project since the completion of the existing terminal in 2005,” said Chapman.
“We believe Adelaide Airport has the best airport terminal in Australia, and this expansion will allow us to continue to offer the high level of customer service that our travellers expect.”
Additional information can be found at the airport’s dedicated website for the terminal expansion here.
