The terminal at Darwin International Airport is set to double in size as the airport invests $60 million in new and upgraded facilities.
The terminal will grow from 16,000 square metres to 27,000 square metres with room for additional departure lounge areas, improved baggage systems and security screening areas, and an expanded check-in area. Work will start on May 24 for completion by the middle of next year.
Chief executive Ian Kew described the project as the biggest in its 12-year history.
"The expansion will increase capacity dramatically, enabling us to improve efficiencies for our airline customers and terminal operators and improve the travelling experience for our passengers," he said.
"With improved faciltiies, DIA will be positioned perfectly for growth – our airline partners will be able to better grow their businesses and our capability to develop new routes and grow services to the Top End will be enhanced."
Virgin Australia chief operating officer, Sean Donohue, welcomed the investment which will see the airline's own check-in area move to a new part of the terminal with streamlined security processing.
The airline is ramping up its presence in the Northern Territory, with Sydney-Darwin flights, a codeshare with SilkAir on international flights from the port and a new 150-seat airport lounge to be launched in 2014.
"We recognise the increasing importance of Darwin in line with the growth of the Northern Territory as a business and tourism destination," Donohue said.
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