The first stage of Canberra Airport’s $350 million new terminal opened for passengers on November 14.
“To build the new terminal and keep the existing facility fully operational has been a challenging task and one that caused a number of changes to the vehicle and pedestrian access,” said Canberra Airport managing director Stephen Byron. “There will be a period where those used to coming to the old terminal are still finding their way, but we couldn’t be happier with our first few hours in operation.”
Features of the new 26,000 sq m southern concourse terminal includes a new check-in and baggage collection hall, new retail and food and drink outlets, and Qantas’s new Qantas Club, Business Class and Chairman’s Lounges. Qantas says it has invested over $20 million in delivering new and improved facilities as part of the development.
Environmental features of the new building include tri-generation power generation technology, a 600 megalitre rainwater tank, and grey and black water recycling.
Currently 3.25 million passengers a year fly through Canberra Airport. Completion of the redevelopment of the terminal, which will now see the existing terminal demolished for a northern concourse, will be complete in 2012.
