Economic contribution

Auckland Airport has an important role to play in the region’s economic and social wellbeing. In 2026, the airport and its neighbouring businesses added $39.5 billion to the New Zealand economy, employed more than 25,000 people and helped lift household incomes by $1.6 billion.

Auckland Airport is currently investing to ‘build a better future’, which will unlock capacity constraints and create further opportunities for neighbouring communities and the local economy. For example, unlocking capacity constraints in the Domestic Terminal by building the new Domestic Jet Terminal is expected to unlock $4.5 billion in economic output from domestic and international tourism.

Auckland Airport is a dynamic 24/7 engine for the New Zealand economy. We are the gateway for over 18 million travellers and $31.8 billion in international trade. For international travellers, Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s primary border, hosting key agencies for customs, security and biosecurity.

We make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s tourism industry. The spend generated by overseas visitors arriving at Auckland Airport is equal to 29% of New Zealand's total tourism expenditure (international and domestic). This equates to 17% of New Zealand's total exports, contributing more to the New Zealand economy than the wood and wood product export trade, one of New Zealand’s largest good exports.

By 2033, our passenger numbers are expected to grow to 23.7 million per annum. This generates substantial opportunities for the tourism industry.

Auckland Airport, as New Zealand's largest airfreight port, plays a key role in the transportation of high value, time sensitive goods from across New Zealand, enabling the success of key export industries.

An important proportion of New Zealand’s trade flows through Auckland Airport. By value, Auckland Airport is the second busiest import channel after the Port of Auckland, and the second most valuable export channel in the nation after the Port of Tauranga, with a combined value of $31.8 billion of freight transported.

With New Zealand’s trade balance being a key topic for the current Government, Auckland Airport’s infrastructure investment is expected to support their aim of doubling export levels over the next decade, with total export values transported through Auckland Airport estimated to increase by 31% over the next eight years.

There are more than 300 businesses around the Airport and 25,400 people work on Auckland Airport land. The airport not only provides jobs for local people, but adds to the vibrancy of South Auckland.

Auckland Airport also has a number of programmes in place to create greater opportunities for South Auckland residents. We contribute to local charities through our community trust, and support a number of community activities and fundraising initiatives.

See the community section of this website for more on our community contribution.