Auckland Airport enjoys record week

A record number of international passengers passed through Auckland Airport last week.

Figures released yesterday show 152,382 international passengers - inbound and outbound - were processed in the week ending January 9, eclipsing the previous high of 140,950 set during the same week last year.

Transit and transfer passengers were not included.

Auckland International Airport chief executive Don Huse said the record reflected continuing strength in the tourism sector.

Recent processing improvements at the airport meant its busiest week passed "without fuss".

Huse said the commitment the Government had made with extra Customs and MAF staff funding, "together with changes at the airport to increase departures and arrivals capacity, has ensured that visitors receive the best welcome to and farewell from our country".