Darwin International Airport to undergo major expansion
Darwin International Airport in Australia is planning to undertake $75 million expansion project which will begin in May 2013.
The expansion project is aimed at increasing the airport capacity to accommodate additional passenger traffic, improve efficiencies for terminal operators, and improve the travelling experience for passengers.
The project will include three new aircraft parking bays, nearly 11,000 square metres of extra floor space, a new Virgin Australia club lounge as well as a larger Qantas lounge. The expansion upgrade will also add new departure gate lounge areas and security screening zones, new office and retail areas, and improved baggage systems. The airport will expand in size from 16,000 to 27,000 square metres.
Various new shops and food and beverage outlets will open as a result of expansion. Prominent among them are the Bumbu eatery by Darwin-based chef and restaurateur Jimmy Shu opening in June 2013; and the 300 square metre Dôme café offering floor-to-ceiling airside views which can seat 170. Other stores will all be completed by the end of 2014, including a new bar with airside views; Hungry Jack’s, a fresh food offer; a second ground floor café; and a new international outlet.
Works will be carried out by national builder Watpac Construction. The project is said to be the biggest in the airport’s history, and is scheduled for completion in mid-2014.
