New international arrivals hall open as terminal expansion reaches practical completion
Adelaide Airport has unveiled the final stage of its terminal expansion project, with the new
international arrivals hall now open to travellers.
The $200 million construction project has also reached practical completion, with builder BESIX
Watpac handing over the project to Adelaide Airport on November 18.
Editor’s note reminder: Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young will be available
for interview at 11am today in the central concourse directly opposite security screening.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young said travellers would notice a significant upgrade
to arrivals and departures facilities.
Mr Young said it had been a huge effort by the project team and builders BESIX Watpac to
complete construction through the pandemic.
“While COVID-19 has had a significant impact on aviation, we’ve remained on track to complete
construction on new international arrival and departure facilities as well as expansion of our
terminal retail precinct,” Mr Young said.
“Our completed international upgrades include a second, longer baggage belt for arrivals, and
more space for immigration processing and expanded security screening, while a larger duty-free
precinct for arrivals and departures will be delivered once we see more international travellers
return.
“Our aim has been to provide a seamless, connected experience from the time you drive into the
airport until you board your aircraft, and vice versa.”
Gate 18 is now a permanent international gate, while other international gates will continue to
utilise Adelaide Airport’s unique swing gate system to allow both international and domestic
operations.
The total area of the retail and dining precinct has increased by more than 80 per cent. The
majority of new retailers and dining outlets have now opened, including more recently Coopers
Alehouse, The Pantry, SOHO Café, JB HiFi, WHSmith and Southern Providore.
Other improvements have included:
• A new common user premium international lounge and new VIP facilities for international
arrivals and departures – to open once international travel returns;
• Relocation and expansion of the Virgin Australia Lounge; and
• Expansion of office space for terminal tenants including airlines and regulatory agencies.
BESIX Watpac South Australia Manager Al Crosby said the Adelaide Airport terminal expansion
was an exceptional project on many levels.
“The spirit of collaboration between our team and the Adelaide Airport set the tone from the
beginning and helped to drive the operational excellence we achieved in quality and safety, and
minimised disruption for airport users during construction. Despite all the challenges of COVID,
this project set the platinum standard in collaborative project delivery,” Mr Crosby said.
The terminal expansion project is the first major terminal development since the current terminal
was opened in 2005.
Terminal Expansion Key Stats:
Construction started: August 2018
Northern concourse opened: February 2020
International departures opened: December 2020
International arrivals opened: December 2021
Structural steel (new build): 1,180 tonnes
Ducting: approx. 60km
Pipes: approx. 65km
Total trades utilised: 84
Total man hours: 965,000
Lost Time Injuries: 0
A time lapse of construction is available at: https://www.adelaideairport.com.au/corporate/about-
us/projects/terminal-expansion-project/time-lapse/
