The first phase of Rotorua Airport’s terminal redevelopment is complete – with a new arrivals facility now welcoming visitors to Rotorua.
The redevelopment includes new rental car kiosks, rest room facilities and storage space, with passengers arriving into a large new area.
The work comes as Rotorua Airport has recorded its highest passenger numbers in a decade, with more than 265,000 people travelling through the airport in the year to June 2019.
Rotorua Airport chief executive Mark Gibb says the redevelopment of the terminal will future-proof the airport to cater for that growth.
“It is about ensuring Rotorua Airport remains a safe and efficient operation that can meet the demands of the future, such as the growth in passenger numbers, as well as ensuring it keeps up with security and building requirements.”
While it was the growth in passenger numbers and a need to earthquake strengthen the building which prompted the redevelopment, Mr Gibb says it is also about creating a gateway that better reflects Rotorua,
“We wanted to create a facility that our community can be proud of – one which welcomes and farewells passengers with the maanakitanga (hospitality) Rotorua was built on.”
The second phase of the redevelopment – which is now well underway– includes a new departures facility and glass walkway between arrival and departures.
This includes new screening facilities to meet industry standards, a separate new departures lounge and outdoor landscaped plaza area. The entire redevelopment expected to be finished in early 2020.
Mr Gibb thanked the public for their patience while the work is underway.
