Auckland Airport plans change to security and passport control

Passengers at Auckland Airport will see a change to the order of passport control and security screening from late 2027.

From then, international travellers will first go through security screening and then through passport control, Auckland Airport chief operations officer Chloe Surridge said.

The switch is part of a larger construction project to bring domestic jet and international operations under one roof.

"This change in sequencing will pave the way for how travellers are processed through the new terminal, within one building."

New Zealand Customs' Craig Chitty said the change to security screening first will create a safer environment for both travellers and staff.

"This sequencing is considered international best practice to help support a smoother customer experience. It creates a clearer separation between security screening and border control functions, and it supports greater safety for all.

"Customs is also about to embark on our eGate replacement programme at Auckland Airport, so aligning the upgrades of our eGates with 'the Flip' project will help minimise disruption throughout the transition."

Surridge said construction will continue in the security and border passport control areas until 2029.