A larger duty free zone for international arrivals and departures and broader retail and dining options will greet passengers at Adelaide Airport by 2021 under a $165m expansion announced yesterday.

 

Work on the main international terminal building includes a complete refurbishment of its retail areas that will increase space by 80% across the airport’s domestic and international retail and dining precinct.

 

Set to begin immediately, the project will be the biggest infrastructure development since the existing terminal completed in 2005.

 

[Click here to view a fly-through video of the terminal expansion].

 

INT. PAX ALMOST TRIPLE

Aside operational and security infrastructure improvements, Gate 18 will be designated as a major international gate and the focus for the improved retail and boarding facilities.

 

Other features include a new common user premium international lounge, VIP facilities for international departures and arrivals, a relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge and expanded office space for airlines and regulatory agencies.

 

 

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young said: “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.

 

“Since we opened the existing terminal in 2005, our overall passenger numbers have increased by close to 50%. Our international passenger numbers alone have almost tripled over the same period. This extraordinary growth means we need to keep growing our existing facilities.”

 

Young says that while the airport still has sufficient gate capacity to meet future forecast growth in flight volumes, it is nearing that limit. “This expansion will allow us to be fit-for-purpose based on our future growth forecasts,” he added.

 

The Marshall Government welcomed the expansion of Adelaide Airport’s terminal as a ‘vote of confidence in the South Australian economy’ and a boost for the tourism industry.

 

Rob Sharp, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Airlines added: “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 detail on our plans in due course.”