Construction of Hawke's Bay Airport Ltd's terminal expansion is getting close, with negotiations on a potential tender for the work set to close within the next few weeks.
Significant growth in passenger movements over the past two years due to increased competition with Jetstar's arrival and Sounds Air now established at the airport, as well as Air New Zealand switching to larger aircraft, had put a strain on the existing terminal, said chairman Tony Porter.
The growth had also delayed plans for the planned expansion due to the need to re-design the "back-room" areas for the increased airlines' operations and staff.
"People have been getting a lower level of service in the terminal than we would have hoped, with restrictions on space and long queues for the cafe, but we are hoping to rectify that with the upgraded terminal," Mr Porter said.
The multimillion-dollar expansion would increase the terminal size from 2500sq m to 3800sq m, and would include check-in areas at the southern end of the terminal and a new automated baggage handling system at the opposite end.