The construction will be staged over two phases. The Milson Line end is estimated to be complete in late 2025, at which time the Railway Road end will begin construction. The terminal is expected to fully open in late 2026.

No – we will remain operational throughout the anticipated two-year construction period. To make this happen, we are constructing the terminal in two phases. In phase 1 all check-in and arrivals will be located in a temporary terminal established in the eastern end (Railway Road end) of the existing terminal.

There are three key drivers creating the need to invest in a refurbished or new terminal. These include seismic resilience, an ability to accommodate future growth in passenger volumes and the introduction of passenger and hold bag screening if required.

A refurbishment of the present terminal was evaluated but ruled out due to the cost and residual seismic concerns. A new terminal will improve the experience for all customers, providing more efficient and modern airport infrastructure, and ensure our city and region have an air gateway that is appropriate and resilient.

We are working hard with all airport stakeholders to minimise any disruption to flights and ensure that customers are as well looked after as they can be in our temporary terminal. At this stage, we ask airport users to be aware that some of the services or facilities in the terminal are likely to be located in different spaces, and to plan a little extra travel time accordingly.

The terminal design has been optimised for the anticipated growth in domestic passenger volumes and the possibility that passenger and hold bag screening may be required at regional airports like ours.  

Due to the modular design of the terminal, an expansion pathway is available should passenger growth exceed projections.  

International services would require additional terminal space to accommodate the various agencies necessary to facilitate international passenger movements. Although not presently on the radar, theoretically this could be accommodated during a future expansion phase. 

The new terminal will be constructed in the same location as the current terminal to maintain the connection to aircraft stands and carparks.

The proposed terminal will be approximately 110 metres long by 38 metres deep and will provide a gross floor area of approximately 5,000m2.

The terminal will have three functional areas, all located on the ground floor with the exception of the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge. The western end (Milson Line end) will accommodate space for baggage to aircraft transfer, airline offices, a cargo acceptance area, and hold bag screening if required.

The double-height central portion of the terminal will include airline check-in, departure lounge areas, the café, retail, public seating, toilets, a meeting room, the Regional Lounge and Palmerston North Airport terminal operations offices. The eastern wing (Railway Road end) of the terminal will accommodate arriving passengers, baggage reclaim and rental car operators.

An airside corridor will extend the full length of the terminal, providing weather protection for embarking and disembarking passengers.

There will be temporary changes to check-in and boarding locations as we move services around to accommodate construction. We will have signage and staff on the ground to point you in the right direction.

A refurbishment of the present terminal was evaluated but ruled out due to the cost, extent of disruption to airport operations and residual seismic concerns.

 A new terminal will improve the experience for all customers, providing more efficient and modern airport infrastructure. This ensures our city and region have an air gateway that is appropriate and resilient.

The experts have told us that the best place to build the new terminal is where the current terminal stands. In addition a relocation would mean potentially longer walks to the existing aircraft apron.

To address the possibility of disruption to operations, the terminal will be dismantled in stages and we will be creating a temporary terminal in the areas where construction is not underway.

Palmerston North Airport Limited have appointed Colliers | Greenstone Group to project manage the TDP (Terminal Development Plan) project in conjunction with senior members of the airport team.

Temporary changes to traffic flows are anticipated at certain stages of construction. We will work to minimise disruptions and provide clear signage and updates to assist drivers.

At this stage of the project, with enabling works and dismantling of the terminal, there is no night-time construction planned.

All our entrance ways will be safe and easy to access with any potential hazards clearly marked.

On the off chance that one entrance is temporarily not wheelchair accessible, we will guide you to the closest alternative entrance. Please see our website for more details on the services available for airport users requiring additional assistance.

There have been a few changes to our parking systems. The new licence plate recognition ticketless entry system has gone live.

Taxi and rideshare operators are now operating from the right-hand pickup and drop off lane within the general car park.

We will be updating our website at and Facebook @flypalmy regularly with news about the project. Alternatively you can join our newsletter mailing list at the bottom of the Terminal Development webpage.

Yes – we’re always open to feedback and want to hear yours. You can do this by reaching out to tdp@pnairport.co.nz