Auckland International Airport likely to be 'much smaller, domestic focused operation' in future

Auckland International Airport CEO Adrian Littlewood reported (23-Apr-2020) resumption of business at the airport is "likely to be a much smaller, domestic focused operation". The airport expects fewer repatriation services and a continued fall in international passenger numbers in the future, with total passenger numbers down 42% year-on-year in Mar-2020 and international passengers down 95.3% for the first 20 days of Apr-2020. Mr Littlewood noted the airport is now operating at approximately 10% of its capacity, adding: "While we are hopeful of borders opening up across the Tasman, the reality is it may take some time for people to begin travelling internationally again". Mr Littlewood also warned significant costs will continue to be incurred by the airport, despite lower air and passenger traffic. Consequently, the airport has introduced a number of cost cutting measures, including consulting staff about proposed changes to staffing levels, in line with a "much smaller capital programme" and "materially lower international passenger numbers for the foreseeable future". [more - original PR]