Auckland Airport is working to support its retail and F&B concessionaires following shop closures at the terminals as further coronavirus (Covid-19) precautionary measures kick-in.

Most of the airport’s 100-plus cafes, restaurants and retail stores are now closed following the government’s decision to escalate the Covid-19 alert system from level 3 to level 4 this week.

Only a Take Home convenience outlet remains open at the International Terminal at pre-security, arrivals ground floor level.

Post-security shops still trading include The Juicery, New Zealand Health & Beauty and Travelex foreign exchange ATMs dispensing cash. All stores and eateries in the domestic terminal have shut.

Richard Barker, General Manager Retail and Commercial, Auckland Airport said: “These are tough times for everyone in the Auckland Airport community, and we are all feeling it, especially our retailers and food and beverage operators. We are working with each of them to support them.”

COME PREPARED, SAYS OPERATOR

As a result of the severity of the situation, the airport has encouraged travellers to equip themselves with any necessary travel essentials before arriving.

To comply with aviation security restrictions, travellers are being instructed to follow certain requirements as they pass through security screening at the International Terminal.

Passengers are permitted to take food, including baby food, to airside areas but are not allowed to carry foods with a high liquid content, food that is spreadable and powders and salts. Empty drink bottles are allowed to be filled from water fountains.

“We know this has been an incredibly stressful time for travellers trying to sort out flights as border changes come into effect around the world,” added Barker. “The last thing we want is for people to be caught unprepared and unaware of the recent changes at the terminals.

“To help contain the spread of the virus, there will be only minimal options available airside at the international terminal to ensure travellers have access to food and drinks. So it’s really important that travellers plan ahead if they can and consider carefully what they will need before coming to the terminal.”

The airport prohibited trips, aside domestic services carrying those working in essential services or transferring to an international flight, at 23:59 on 27 March.

The country closed its borders to international transit passengers on 26 March and all arrivals passengers are required to self-isolate for 14 days before travelling to their final destination in New Zealand.

Entry to the international terminal is restricted to those carrying a valid passport and proof of a confirmed ticket to fly. Airline desks are not selling tickets.