Auckland Airport bolsters border protections

15 September 2022

New Zealand’s border protection is being boosted with work underway to upgrade the international terminal arrivals area at Auckland Airport.

The upgrades will enable the introduction of enhanced biosecurity screening technology, baggage reclaim facilities and other improvements to make the final stages of border processing formalities more efficient.

Biosecurity New Zealand said the new arrivals area will support the introduction of new technology and clearance process changes that will enhance both biosecurity and the travel experience for passengers, including automation of some existing processes and making use of advancements in 3D scanning to provide greater biosecurity protection for New Zealand.

Progress is also being made in developing algorithms that will allow the new screening tools to automatically detect biosecurity threats in baggage carried by travelers.

Passengers will continue to use the existing arrivals area throughout the construction period, although there will be changes in biosecurity screening and Customs search area layout.

The day provided the opportunity to learn more about work underway to protect the industry from unwanted pests and diseases and featured a series of popular presentations, including a virtual talk from researcher Dr Julie Urban about the impacts Spotted Lanternfly is having in the USA and management techniques in place.