Christchurch Airport is getting a revamp with 12 new eateries, shops
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Christchurch Airport has announced its plans for a revamp of its terminal.
12 new eateries, new shops and renovated bathrooms are part of the upgrades.
The project is set to be completed by December 2024.
Christchurch Airport has unveiled plans for a revamp of its terminal.
The project will deliver 12 new eateries, new retail spaces, upgraded bathrooms, a new parent’s room, a remodelled food court and a large children’s play area.
There will be more self-service kiosks and interactive screens, too.
Airport chief executive Justin Watson said it will be the first major upgrade since the terminal opened in 2013. In that time, 50 million people have come through the terminal, he said.
“This major project will take a great terminal and make it even greater. It’ll modernise our food and beverage offering with a distinctly Kiwi flavour and provide much needed entertainment.”
Watson said he could not disclose the price of the revamp for commercial reasons.
The upgrade should be completed by December when, Watson predicted, visitor numbers will be even higher than last summer.
“Qantas, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways and United Airlines have already confirmed they will all be back flying summer services to the city and they’re growing their capacity. For example, Qantas will have an extra 175,000 seats and China Southern is boosting its capacity by 20,000 seats,” he said.
“Last summer season (from November to March) we had 2.7 million passenger movements at Christchurch Airport. We’re on track to top that next summer season and it’s awesome to know the terminal will be refreshed and ready to welcome our visitors with some of our best manaakitanga and offerings yet.”
Two of the 12 new eateries, Fush and Tātou, will be airside.
A new version of the Sushi Platter will be joined by two new outlets in the food court - Hikari, which will serve ramen and donburi and Mama’s Kitchen will offer Korean street food.
David Cooper, Christchurch Airport’s general manager customer and commercial, said the airport has partnered with global company SSP to deliver a modern and refreshed area.
“SSP specialise in airport food and beverage offerings and operate in 37 countries. Their goal is to be the best bit of any customer’s journey – we’re lucky to be their first entry into the New Zealand market. We’re grateful for their support which enables us to deliver the first major refresh of the terminal in over 10 years.”
SSP will operate the seven other outlets - a bar and restaurant named Portal at the top of the escalator that will replace the current Number 8 café, a new café Fern & Co beside the entry to aviation security and a new café Urban Pantry in the regional departure lounge which includes a range of ‘grab and go’ options.
They will also have an all-day café called Discovered in international arrivals.
The project will be funded by the commercial tenants and the airport with no cost being passed on to passengers or the airlines, an airport spokesperson said.
It said the construction’s impact on airport users would be minimal.
Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson said the investment at Christchurch Airport was a win for the region’s businesses.
“It will bring additional visitors to our region and, position the region and the South Island well for future growth.”
ChristchurchNZ Head of Tourism Kath Low said the project will drive revenue growth for the airport which is good for Ōtautahi.
“Christchurch Airport plays an important role in delivering international visitors to our region which has enormous economic and social benefits. This summer is already shaping up to be a big visitor season and this project gives them another reason to come and see all our city has to offer.”