Auckland International Airport (ASX:AIA, NZE:AIA) unveiled its finalized master plan through to the late 2040s, prioritizing optimization of existing infrastructure, upgraded transport connections, and phased investment to accommodate rising passenger and freight demand, according to a Tuesday filing with the Australian and New Zealand bourses.

The plan establishes a long-term framework to safeguard land and infrastructure for future growth, prioritizes near-term capacity gains through operational and technological improvements, and keeps open but does not commit to a second runway, subject to future demand, per the filing.

The airport currently handles about 19 million passengers and 158,000 aircraft movements annually while supporting around NZ$26 billion in trade, with passenger numbers projected to rise to about 38 million per year by the late 2040s, the filing said.

Long-term plans include an integrated terminal, expanded regional capacity, improved airfield and apron layouts, a consolidated cargo precinct, and infrastructure for new aviation technologies, lower-emission transport, and climate resilience.

The airport is also prioritizing improved surface access under a new master plan that includes better use of the existing road network, dynamic lane changes on the Pukaki Bridge, improved walking and cycling links, and protection of rapid transit corridors, the filing added.