In a statement issued on 11 February, the fifth-largest domestic airport and sixth-largest international airport in Australia, Adelaide Airport, said that the old international terminal building would be demolished. The airport says it wants to “make way for new development”, including a new dedicated taxi drop off zone, that will provide an alternative to the existing drop off zone under the car park, this way significantly freeing up space for other drivers, as well as a forecourt for the Atura Hotel. It will also provide room for future proposed terminal expansion works.
The Atura Hotel forecourt will feature a restaurant and bar, a business centre, flexible function and meeting spaces plus a port-cochere for guest drop off and collection. A walkway will directly link the airport’s Level 2 domestic and international check-in area with the hotel.
“Creating a new dedicated taxi drop facility adjacent the terminal frees up space in our existing drop-off zone for other users. We’ve spent more than $8 million on taxi facilities over the past decade and we’re now investing a further $4 million in new facilities,” said Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young.
“Regarding the hotel – many of our customers have indicated they would welcome the convenience of an airport hotel to enable catching early morning flights after meetings or conferences. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first guests later this year,” he added.
The original international terminal, opened in 1982 “has played a key role in South Australia’s aviation history, but we’re excited that we’re moving on to bigger and better things for our customers,” said Young.
The construction of the old international terminal building started on 31 May 1982, and opened on 2 November 1982. The new (existing) terminal opened on 7 October 2005.
