In some cases this meant checking customers or bags in past usual deadlines, rushing passengers and bags to aircraft. In other cases customers were moved to later flights without penalty, she said.
“Auckland Airport has proclaimed the success of the new retail offering – yet its new shopping mall has made life more difficult for travellers.”
Congestion caused aircrew and ground handlers to be late for shifts, which had consequences for airline departures.
While Auckland Airport told the Herald there had been no flight disruptions, the board was aware that services were delayed because aircrew were late to reach gates, having been caught up in traffic congestion.
Auckland Airport has planned its roading network to serve the shopping mall with highways now pulling traffic from the north and south to the mall.
“Airlines are forced to pay for the majority of these roads in aeronautical pricing – but for a commercial purpose that actually makes working at, and travelling from, the airport harder,” said O’Brien.
Airlines are in dispute with the airport over aeronautical pricing and she said it was time to take “a careful look” at what’s going on at Auckland Airport.
The airport has been contacted for a response to comments from the board ‚which represents nearly all airlines operating through the airport. Auckland Airport is the country’s busiest with 18.5 million passenger movements in the last year and is Aotearoa’s international gateway.
O’Brien said she remained hopeful the final report of the Commerce Commission on Auckland Airport’s pricing will propose an inquiry. A draft review found the airport’s excess profits ranged between $193m and $226.5m.
“When the largest airport monopoly in New Zealand is opening new shopping malls that congest airport operations, while setting airline prices that target up to $226m in excess profits.”
Grant Bradley has been working at the Herald since 1993. He is the Business Herald’s deputy editor and covers aviation and tourism.