Adelaide Airport’s original international terminal building will be demolished to make way for new development including a new taxi drop off zone and a forecourt for the Atura Hotel, as well as create room for future proposed terminal expansion works.
The old international terminal building was replaced by the current terminal in 2005, and since then it has solely been used for REX passenger arrivals.
The demolition of the building, expected to start in mid-February, will create space for a new dedicated taxi drop off facility adjacent the main terminal.
This will provide an alternative to the existing drop off zone under the car park, significantly freeing up space for other drivers.
Meanwhile, the hotel forecourt construction works are part of the new seven-storey hotel being developed under EVENT’s Atura brand.
It will feature a restaurant and bar, a business centre, flexible function and meeting spaces plus a porte-cochere for guest drop off and collection.
A walkway will directly link the hotel with the airport’s level two domestic and international check-in area.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young, said the new facilities would significantly improve the customer experience for departing passengers and hotel guests.
“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,” Mr Young said.
“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.”
The demolition works will see arriving REX passengers bussed to the northern entrance of the main terminal from 13 February, with luggage collection in the main domestic baggage hall.
Mr Young said the old international building held fond and not-so-fond memories for many travellers.
“The opening of the original international terminal in 1982 heralded the arrival of the first international flights to Adelaide,” Mr Young said.
“It was always meant to be a temporary facility with just the one aerobridge, and was variously described as ‘utilitarian’ and ‘a tin shed’. It quickly outgrew itself but it took another 23 years before it was replaced by the current terminal.
“It 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.”
