ADG Investing to Transform Darwin International Airport Terminal

May 2023 update

Airport Development Group (ADG) is investing more than $11m to transform the Darwin International Airport terminal.

The planned transformation will touch nearly every aspect of the terminal, including an expanded terminal footprint, new common use check in kiosks and bag drop facilities, major renovations to all food and beverage outlets, expanded security screening and covered car parking.


The first phase will commence on Monday 22 May, with ten new check-in kiosks and six auto bag drop facilities coming online. Check in counters will remain open during this time. Coinciding with this, new light weight luggage trolleys will be replacing existing trolleys that are at end of life. The new trolleys will be easier to manoeuvre and cost $4 per use.



Phase two of the upgrade will commence late in May and see all remaining kiosks and bag drop facilities gradually come online, with a corresponding reduction in the number of check-in counters.

ADG and airline partners will provide personnel to assist passengers through the new check in and bag drop process during busy periods.

Renovation and expansion of all food and beverage and news and gifts outlets in the terminal have commenced and all upgrades are expected to be completed by December 2024.


Rob Porter, Airport Development Group’s Executive General Manager Operations, said ADG’s focus is to improve passenger experience.

“The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Territory economy and this significant investment by ADG to upgrade our terminal will support the future growth of this important industry.”


“We do anticipate some delays and inconvenience over the next few months, and we encourage departing passengers to arrive at the airport early and allow time to move through the new check in and bag drop process.”


“Once works are completed our terminal will provide passengers and airport users with a first-class customer experience.”

“We apologise for any disruption and thank the travelling public for their patience during this time.”


DIA terminal upgrade

Work is underway to upgrade Darwin International Airport’s terminal.


This significant investment will nearly double the check-in area, and provide 30 self-service check-in kiosks and 23 bag drop facilities. 


In an Australian first passengers will be able to check-in with their airline from any kiosk, providing convenience and reducing wait time in queues.


Works are expected to be completed by April 2023.

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