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General information
- Security information
- Passenger screening
- Pick up/drop off
- Unattended baggage
- Security-related threats
- Medical
- Travel advice
- Observation areas
- Airport people
- Drone use around the airport
- Animals on airport
Security information
Security remains a top priority at Auckland Airport. On-site security measures are regularly monitored and the airport continues to meet stringent security standards set by the Government.
Auckland Airport also has a New Zealand Police unit located on-site.
Passenger screening
All departing passengers are subject to security screening prior to boarding aircraft. Auckland Airport reminds passengers that sharp items, such as nail clippers, scissors, pocket knives and metal nail files, should not be packed in carry-on hand luggage. Please ensure any items of this kind are packed in your check-in luggage. Detection of these items at screening points will increase the wait time for passengers.
Please ensure you do not carry any inflammable liquids gasses or other dangerous goods with you or in your bags. Those items will also be removed by security staff when detected. You can check the Aviation Security website for more information here.
Laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones & other electronic devices must be removed from bags at the security point and screened separately. Electronic equipment will not be damaged by x-ray screening. From Wednesday 1st of May 2024 for international flights only, you will no longer be required to remove these electronic items - Laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones and other electronic devices as well as liquids, aerosols or gels - 100ml or under for security screening. These can now be left in your carry-on hand luggage when you go through the security screening area.
Checked baggage is also subject to screening. Please contact your airline for further information about what can and cannot be taken on board, either in carry-on luggage or in your checked-baggage.
Pick up/drop off
For security reasons, vehicles dropping off or collecting passengers at the front of the domestic terminal and in the ground floor of the transport hub at the international terminal, must be attended at all times. Any vehicle left unattended will be subject to an immediate fine and may be towed. Attended vehicles can only remain in the drop/off pick/up area for a maximum of 1 minute. Discover more about our parking options.
Unattended baggage
Baggage must never be left unattended in public areas. All such baggage will be treated as suspicious. All baggage should be clearly tagged with your contact details.
Security-related threats
Passengers and airport visitors are warned that all threats and comments made about carrying of weapons or explosives - whether intended as a joke or not - will be taken seriously and may result in refusal of carriage onto the flight and prosecution.
Medical
Passengers with medical conditions are advised to contact their airline in relation to the carriage of medical equipment through screening points and on board their flight.
Travel advice
For advice on travel warnings, visas and consular services, visit the Smart Travel website, www.safetravel.govt.nz.
Observation areas
The best place to watch planes arrive and depart is the airport’s viewing areas on Puhinui Road (SH20B). View our airport maps to see how to get there.
There are two lookouts, one on either side of Puhinui Road. Westbound travellers (coming into the airport precinct) can access the observation area on the southern side of the road, and eastbound travellers (driving away from the precinct) can go to the observation area to the north of the road.
Terminal hours
The international terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The shops, situated inside the terminal, are open for all incoming and outgoing flights.
The domestic terminal is open from 4:30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 5am to 11pm Saturday and Sunday.
Airport people
Over 12,000 people work at Auckland Airport, ensuring your passenger experience is a memorable one.
Drone use around the airport
Due to restrictions on air-space, permission from Airways is required to operate a drone within the suburbs surrounding Auckland Airport. This area covers Mangere, East Tamaki, Flatbush, Papatoetoe, Manurewa and parts of Takanini and Otahuhu.
Permission requests can be made online at www.airshare.co.nz, where you can also find a heap of information on how to operate a drone safely and within New Zealand Civil Aviation rules.
Thanks for your cooperation, which allows us to operate New Zealand’s busiest airport safely and efficiently.
Special Christmas advice from the Civil Aviation Authority is available here.
Animals on airport
Animals on airport are a threat to the safety of aircraft operations and the animal itself. Under the Auckland Airport ByLaw 1989, Section 4(2), no animals are permitted on airport except for working guide dogs, government agency dogs and animals traveling by air. Owners travelling with animals need to comply with the airline’s animal travel requirements. Refer to the airline you travel with for the full requirements. ‘Non-travelling visitors are not permitted to bring any animals (even if remaining in their vehicle) other than working guide dogs (or other medical support dogs)’.