The new (improved) ADL airport - an initial observation

[Matt_01]

I had not set foot in the ADL airport for around 9 months however in the past week I have been there a couple of times. On the first visit I realised that in the Covid world security has not improved and the insistence on removing iPads continues, if that is not annoying enough my backpack was pulled to one side and after they removed my iPhone and wallet (RFID protected) my backpack, phone and wallet were all rescanned for what purpose I do not know.

Now once through security I decided to take a bit of a walk around the new area on the VA side that has opened up sometime in the past 9 months. My first impression was ADL is starting to look like a proper airport the space is a lot wider and once the rest of the fit out is complete it will most likely be even better. The only area I was interested to look at was how they maybe planning to handle international departures. For the record I have never flown internationally out of ADL, I normally choose to fly out of SYD or MEL. Anyhow back to the story the escalators that lead down to the new international departures were off limits.

A few days later I was back at the airport this time flying VA so I had to venture down to the new part again, this time escalators that lead down to the new international departures were open so I went for a bit of a stickybeak. Once downstairs I was quickly approached by a chap with a ‘can I help you’ I mentioned I was only having a look around as it seemed like the area had been opened. He said it only opened that morning was not quite finished and was not to keen on letting me wander around. Anyhow we started talking as I was looking around from a far. It would seem there is now x2 bag x-ray machines and metal detectors the old type and he did not let on if these would be replaced anytime soon with the new automated type which you do not have to take anything out of. I did not notice a body scanner I thought this new type may have been introduced given 1 has been installed in the main entrance but never seems to be in use. There was also at least one of the old type body scanners at the old ADL international entrance. I noticed 3 passport reader stalls, no idea if is an improvement over the current set up. There is also signage to a lounge which he stated “will a shared lounge” however on questioning he answered the detail is being worked through. He also mentioned that there are now 2 bag carousels to deal with arrivals and the arrivals hall is bigger, as I do fly international back into ADL this may be a positive. The chap then went on to inform me that ADL is now (will be) one of the better, if not the best international airports in AU, IMO I think he is delusional.

Although the new area has improved when compared to current international the overall design (IMO) seems to have missed the mark, I am not an architect or airport designer, I did not realise this was a profession until I met one at a QF function. My take on the new layout may be due to the current building footprint or budget. What I saw, if flying out of ADL internationally you still need to clear security to enter the domestic terminal, you then need to head towards the new lift/ escalators in the vicinity of VA gates 13/14, go down a level, do a U-turn go through security (second time) clear customs, then head back up a level to gate 19 which is in the vicinity of the original security area you must clear to enter the domestic terminal. Somehow the new design just seems to be wrong and inefficient but I will reserve my judgement until the project is complete.

Before all the ADL types get on their high horse and jump on the defensive band wagon, I live here, go through the airport on a weekly basis and have been critical of ADL airport in the past. It just seems like the powers to be in ADL make nonsense decisions, after all we are the only place in the world (that I am aware of) that created a one-way freeway, now rectified.

 

[Pushka]

international back into ADL this may be a positive. The chap then went on to inform me that ADL is now (will be) one of the better, if not the best international airports in AU, IMO I think he is delusional.

Agree. He is delusional. The international exit from Adelaide is execrable. There is only what you would call a deli experience (water, soft drink, package chips, chocolate ) purchase opportunity. We have exited many times. We leave it as late as possible.

The general security gates? They would have you empty out everything if they chose to. And umbrellas.

 

[Matt_01]

And umbrellas.

On these last 2 visits to ADL the 'umbrella', I did not take it out and it was not picked up. The RFID wallet and iPhone seems to be a new target. I have either started one or more threads and/or posted my displeasure when having to deal with or putting up with the ADL airport security people.

 

[Pushka]

On these last 2 visits to ADL the 'umbrella', I did not take it out and it was not picked up. The RFID wallet and iPhone seems to be a new target. I have either started one or more threads and/or posted my displeasure when having to deal with or putting up with the ADL airport security people.

Yes. The trick is to guess what their ‘target of the week’ is.

 

[N860CR]

Agree. He is delusional. The international exit from Adelaide is execrable. There is only what you would call a deli experience (water, soft drink, package chips, chocolate ) purchase opportunity. We have exited many times. We leave it as late as possible.

To be honest, I actually go out of my way to transit Adelaide on an international departure. Would reguarly get a late afternoon flight SYD-ADL, go out for dinner at Madam Hanoi then come back to the airport and grab a quick beer at the QP and stroll through immigration for the late QR flight. Much more relaxed than leaving SYD, and the TRS takes all of 60 seconds.

 

[Pushka]

To be honest, I actually go out of my way to transit Adelaide on an international departure. Would reguarly get a late afternoon flight SYD-ADL, go out for dinner at Madam Hanoi then come back to the airport and grab a quick beer at the QP and stroll through immigration for the late QR flight. Much more relaxed than leaving SYD, and the TRS takes all of 60 seconds.

Sure transiting through the Eastern states is a pain for Adelaide folk. But it wouldn't take much to improve what they offer after immigration.

 

[kamchatsky]

I've only did ADL international departure once (CX), and have done many domestic trips there. I always like the airport for the size and its purpose. Sure it is not like SYD or MEL with tons of lounges/shops etc but thought it fits the market well at that time. My CX flight cleared immigration quite quickly and go straight to the gate.

My only complaint was the size of the VA lounge. Way too small.

But with the increasing number of international flights (pre-covid) I thought they should start doing more dedicated international sections. But at least the airport was practical.

 

[Matt_01]

To be honest, I actually go out of my way to transit Adelaide on an international departure. Would reguarly get a late afternoon flight SYD-ADL, go out for dinner at Madam Hanoi then come back to the airport and grab a quick beer at the QP and stroll through immigration for the late QR flight. Much more relaxed than leaving SYD, and the TRS takes all of 60 seconds.

Each to their own and I get your point of view on the flip side what who are suggesting is no different from an ADL based PAX travelling to SYD or MEL, going out for lunch or an early dinner going to the F lounge and getting on the later flights. It all just depends on the location you are travelling on. I am not fussed about TRS and did not know ADL had this service.

Sure transiting through the Eastern states is a pain for Adelaide folk.

It is not that much of a pain Mrs and MissM have become quite used to it.

 

[Pushka]

Each to their own and I get your point of view on the flip side what who are suggesting is no different from an ADL based PAX travelling to SYD or MEL, going out for lunch or an early dinner going to the F lounge and getting on the later flights. It all just depends on the location you are travelling on. I am not fussed about TRS and did not know ADL had this service.

It is not that much of a pain Mrs and MissM have become quite used to it.

Well of course it needs to be nicely timed for a good stint in an F lounge.

 

[jase05]

I very rarely depart Internationally from ADL for a variety of reasons most of them mentioned above. Working in and around the terminal area daily it’s good to get away from it
And yes security have their “target” of the week and you just have to know what they are targeting