Arrive Early at Auckland Airport Passengers Warned

Arrive Early at Auckland Airport Passengers Warned
Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand

29 October 2003

Passengers flying overseas from Auckland airport this summer have been
advised to check in early to avoid possible congestion.

Auckland International Airport Ltd today repeated its prediction that it
is about to have its busiest summer on record.

In August, chief executive Don Huse said the airport was planning for "a
lovely problem" caused by a big jump in international airline seat
capacity.

Today, he put the expected increase at 30 per cent, a figure traditionally
in the five-to-seven per cent range.

Existing airlines had expanded their services, while Dubai-based Emirates
Air, which began operating into New Zealand in August, now had three daily
flights.

As well, South Korean carrier Asiana and Royal Brunei Airlines began
flying into Auckland from yesterday, the start of the New Zealand summer
schedule.

Mr Huse advised passengers to arrive at the airport early and to complete
departure procedures as soon as possible.

"Check-in counters for each international flight are open at least three
hours ahead of the departure time," he said.

"We would rather passengers get here early and be able to relax before
their flight than run the risk of missing it all together."

Mr Huse said the airport company had been working with government agencies
to ensure the summer operation ran as smoothly as possible, and all
parties were increasing staff.

He expected congestion to become an issue only if a flight arrived late
and at the same time as another one landed.

Passenger numbers at Auckland have already been at record levels.

In the 12 months to June 30, the airport passed the milestone of nine
million passengers in a year for the first time, hitting 9.4 million.


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