AKL 60 - Celebrating 60 years of connection at Auckland Airport
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Origin
29 January 2026 marks 60 years since Auckland Airport opened. What began as a new airport for a growing New Zealand has, over six decades, become our country’s gateway to the world and a powerhouse for the economy.
1966
Opening Air Pageant
Early years
One terminal. Many journeys.
Expansion
Building resilience
Journeys
Growing alongside NZ
Auckland Airport 1966 Opening Air Pageant - Source: Whites aviation
Air Pageant - Source: Air Logistics
Air Pageant - Source: Air Logistics
Terminal check-in counters - Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 02765 Trevor Penman Courtesy of Stuff Ltd 1
Crowds cheer as the first Boeing 747 jumbo jet arrives at Auckland Airport in 1972
International Terminal 1977 - Source: PM R24816009 From Collections W3537 Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Wellington
Airfield runway construction
In terminal
Welcome gates at arrivals
Air freight
Kia ora embedded in our fields- Source: SkyViewPhotography
ITB Pier Construction 1970's (AI enhanced)Airfield runway construction - modern
01 / 04
Development
Dream​Builders
Rewind
Fast-forward
Planning & building for the future
Developer - Historic (AI generated)Developer - Modern
Apron internal - Historic (AI generated)Apron internal
02 / 04
Operations
The​Operators
Rewind
Fast-forward
Keeping the airport moving safely & reliably
Operations Team member Historic (AI generated)Operations team member Modern
In terminal Historic (AI enhanced)In terminal Modern
03 / 04
The Blue Coats
Guiding​Lights
Rewind
Fast-forward
Guidance & reassurance when people need it
Customer Support team member Histroic (AI generated)Blue Coat team member Modern
Airport Surroundings Historic (AI enhanced)Airport surroundings Modern (AI enhanced)
04 / 04
Airport Emergency Services
Safe​Keepers
Rewind
Fast-forward
Trained, trusted, and always on standby.
AES worker Historic (AI generated)AES worker Modern
Shaping connection
Past
Present
Future
Runway
and roots
Auckland Airport opened with a single runway and a clear purpose: to serve a growing city and country and connect it with the world. New Zealanders quickly embraced air travel - a love of exploration and adventure that continues today. ​
A connected
now
Today, Auckland Airport operates around the clock, maintaining vital connections for people and trade and acting as the country’s third-largest port by value. It balances live operations with ongoing infrastructure development across transport, terminals and the airfield, while supporting a large and diverse workforce on site.
Bring on what’s next
Aviation connectivity remains critical to New Zealand’s prosperity and wellbeing. As the owner and operator of a nationally significant infrastructure site, Auckland Airport is investing in assets designed for long-term use, resilience and improved journeys, supporting connection for decades to come.
Auckland
Airport by the numbers
0.5B
Travellers since
1966

That's B for billion,
quite a few huh?

~66
Destinations across NZ & overseas

Every day we work on
establishing new connections.

169K
Tonnes of freight goods moved

That's just for
FY25!

35B
Annual contribution to NZ economy

EY Auckland Airport Economic Impact Report 2024. (Domestic).

Play Video - Reflecting on AKL60
AKL
since 1966
Airbridge ServicingMarine Rescue Boat unveilingNew Domestic Jet Terminal render - Artists Impression OnlyFarewellers and greeters at the Transport HubSunset from the apronTransport HubInternational Terminal interiorCargo plane1977 Control tower1992 Runway extension about 300m - Source: Footprints Auckland Airport Pier BAuckland Airport Air Pageant advertisement 1966 - Source: AucklandStar1970 Cargo into hold of DC8 - Source: FootprintsAKL refurbished terminal 1998In 1998 John Travolta visited Airtime Magic - Auckland Airport's museum of memorabilia and kiwianaJean Batten statue1968 baggage check Source Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1528_68001 1968 J B RowntreeBlue coats - Source: Footprints AKL destination signpostsAKL international departuresVisitors view the new rescue craft at Auckland Airport Used from the late 60s to early 70s1976 ConcordeAuckland Airport Skoda work trip to Prague late 60s Source Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections Footprints 07734 Murray Freer Courtesy of Stuff Ltd.jpgAuckland Airport information desk 1966 - Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 02763 Trevor Penman Courtesy of Stuff Ltd
AKL
Image credits and copyright holders: Whites Aviation; Air Logistics; Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections (including Stuff Ltd.); Footprints; Archives New Zealand; Auckland Star (1966). Photographers: Trevor Penman, Murray Freer, J.B. Rowntree, Basil Williams. All rights reserved. Some imagery has been created or enhanced using AI tools and remains subject to applicable copyright and usage rights.
© 2026 Auckland Airport Ltd.
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