The first phase of Auckland Airport's arrivals area has opened, offering an efficient new way to pass through customs.
Auckland Airport has completed the first phase of improvements to the international arrivals areas, delivered in partnership with Biosecurity New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service.
The upgrade includes an enhanced “nothing to declare” express lane supported by detector dog screening, alongside new and expanded back-of-house areas that set up the next stages of work.
Auckland Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Chloe Surridge, said the enhancements focus on efficiency and traveller experience while maintaining robust border protection.
“The first step expands the arrivals footprint and streamlines the express pathway for eligible travellers with nothing to declare. Behind the scenes, we’ve reconfigured and upgraded operational areas to support growth as well as continuous improvement for border processes,” she said.
The improved express lane builds on the risk assessment process first introduced at Auckland Airport in 2023 and is supported by the electronic New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Over the last two years, the median processing time, from entering Customs to exiting the arrivals hall, has reduced 49 percent for travellers, from 47 minutes to just under 15 minutes (data from June 2023 vs June 2025).
Over the past one year, median processing times are nearly eight percent faster (June 2024 vs. June 2025).
Eligible travellers are directed through upgraded facilities for biosecurity screening by detector dogs, before exiting into the public arrivals hall.
Travellers with items to declare, or who are not eligible for the express lane, continue to be processed through Biosecurity New Zealand’s dedicated screening lanes.
Included in the first phase is approximately 1,300m2 of upgraded floor area across the arrivals hall, a new truck dock to improve terminal logistics, new staff security screening facilities, creating capacity for further improvements to follow. The project enables a second phase of work to further refurbish areas not included in this project, while maintaining operational capacity.
Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner, North, said the upgraded arrivals area supports changes that enhance both biosecurity and the traveller experience.
“As technology evolves, including advances in scanning solutions and the continued increase in the use of the electronic New Zealand Traveller declaration, these facilities help us protect New Zealand’s NZD 60 billion primary industry from pests and diseases, while keeping low-risk travellers moving,” said Inglis.
Dana McDonald, Customs Group Manager Border Operations, said customs welcomed this upgrade, which will further support efficient processing while maintaining border security.
“Coupled with our eGates now open to 48 countries and territories, and more passengers completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, these enhanced facilities help pave the way to a smoother arrival into Auckland.”
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