Sunshine Coast Airport has had to get creative in ensuring traveller comfort and ease of operations due to increasing passenger numbers post-pandemic.
To handle the impending resumption of international flights between Maroochydore and Auckland on June 25 and more domestic aircraft arrivals and departures since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, the airport has had to ‘find’ more space.
A “significant” new 25m x 10m marquee and additional 10m x 5m foyer area are now under construction between the terminal’s Gates 4 and 8.
This marquee joins a similar one that has been operating outside Gates 1 and 2.
Sunshine Coast Airport corporate media and communications manager Ethan Clissold said the new marquee would cater for domestic arrivals and departures once northern arrivals, Gate 9, became fully operational again with the return of Air New Zealand.
“Air New Zealand is coming back, and with the increase in domestic flights and record passenger numbers, we’re looking to make more floor space at the terminal to improve our passenger experience,” Mr Clissold said.
“Our northern arrivals area, Gate 9, is where we process passengers for international Air New Zealand flights, which involves Customs and Border Force, requiring us to close off that section of the airport for domestic passengers.
“By adding the marquee and moving Gates 5 and 6, we will provide a new waiting area and additional seating options for domestic passengers, while also reducing the number of people queuing in the terminal.
“We’ve seen growth in passengers and an increase in choice of destination directly to and from Sunshine Coast, and the two marquees give us more space and provide more options until we begin our terminal expansion.
“Space can be pretty tight at the moment during peak times, and this just gives a bit more room and flexibility with the space we’ve got currently.”
Mr Clissold said the new marquee was expected to be operational by the end of this month in time for the return of Air New Zealand.
Construction is planned to start on the terminal expansion in the first half of 2024.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel has said tri-weekly flights from Auckland by Air New Zealand during a four-month blitz would be well received.
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