Omicron impact: Auckland Airport asks travellers to plan for limited dining options at its international terminal

Travellers, particularly those departing on international flights, are being asked to pack snacks and essential supplies in their travel kit as many of Auckland Airport's food and beverage outlets feel the full impact of Omicron on staffing levels.

Anna Cassels-Brown, Auckland Airport's General Manager Operations, said Auckland's widespread Omicron outbreak means there are currently limited dining options beyond security screening, particularly at the international terminal, which is already operating with reduced services due to low passenger numbers.

Travellers departing New Zealand are being asked to come prepared with snacks and consider enjoying a meal before heading to the international terminal.

"Like so many Kiwi organisations the rapid spread of Omicron has created new challenges for our airport community including sudden impacts on workforce availability," said Ms Cassels-Brown.

"Unfortunately, some of our in-terminal dining outlets are needing to temporarily reduce their opening hours and some have had to close altogether at very short notice. This is limiting food and beverage availability, particularly in the late afternoon and evenings at the international terminal.

"We know it's disruptive for our customers and we sincerely apologise, but it's very important those employees stay home if they, or their household members, have COVID. We are working through all options with our tenants and suppliers to get through this as fast as we can," she said.

Duty free shopping currently remains open for all departing and arriving flights, with snack packs available to purchase. "Grab and go" food items are also available from the Take Home store in the international terminal public arrivals area, and the domestic terminal food and beverage outlets are an option for those arriving on domestic flights for an international connection.

"We are doing a best to manage through the omicron surge, and we hope this won't be anything more than a short-lived issue. Meanwhile, we ask people to check ourwebsitefor the latest updates ahead of their day of travel and please come prepared for fewer food and beverage options than you'd normally expect at the international terminal."

In February, international passenger volumes were 5% of pre-Covid levels, with an average of 1400 (arriving and departing) passengers per day compared to about 30,000 per day before the pandemic.

Security screening and food

To comply with Aviation Security restrictions travellers will need to follow the below requirements for anything they take through security screening:

• Travellers can take food, including baby food and formula, through security screening, except the following:

• Food with a high liquid content: Cream, oil, soup, foods in sauces, sauces, stew, honey, seafood in liquid, syrup or anything else with a similar consistency

• Food that is spreadable: Butter, margarine, sandwich spreads, jam, paste.

Empty drink bottles are allowed, with water fountains available beyond security screening for refills. The linkhere helps travellers with small children plan what they can take through.

ENDS