Wellington International Airport (WLG)

Wellington Airport uses a single integrated terminal with a central check-in hall feeding two short piers: the north pier handles most Air New Zealand domestic services while the south pier hosts Jetstar, regional turboprops, and international gates 21–23 at its western end. Departures and arrivals share the same building with vertical circulation linking check-in, security, and gate lounges, and the baggage reclaim sits directly landside of the main hall for fast exits. Transfer passengers can stay airside when moving between domestic gates or international-to-domestic if pre-cleared by airline staff.

Walking times are compact, generally under 7 minutes end-to-end; from the central security point to the furthest domestic gate is about 5 minutes, and to the international gates roughly 6–7 minutes via the south pier corridor. The domestic-international connection uses the same concourse, so signage keeps wayfinding simple even during weather-related gate changes.

Security screening for domestic flights is directly behind the main hall with priority and family lanes; wait times typically stay under 10 minutes outside of weekday morning peaks when business flights can push queues to around 15 minutes. International departures enter a second checkpoint adjacent to gate 21 that rarely exceeds 10–15 minutes except during combined trans-Tasman departures.

Border processing for international arrivals is located immediately off the south pier with SmartGate e-passport kiosks for eligible nationalities and manual booths for others. Customs and MPI biosecurity screening follow in sequence; inspections can take additional time when multiple widebody charters arrive, but most flows clear in 20–30 minutes. Domestic arrivals bypass immigration entirely and exit directly to reclaim.

Amenities include Air New Zealand and Wellington Regional lounges near the north pier junction, the Manaia Lounge for international travelers by gate 21, plus cafés, bakeries, and quick-service restaurants clustered around the food court overlooking the apron. Accessibility features include lift access to all levels, tactile flooring, hearing loops at key counters, and clearly marked mobility assistance points. Family needs are supported with changing rooms near each restroom block, stroller-friendly corridors, and a small play area close to gate 13.