Adelaide Airport Project
- daniellaATS
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Rapid, passenger-ready terminal expansion delivered with a premium modular structure
When Adelaide Airport required additional check-in capacity to support passenger flow and operational continuity, they needed a solution that could be delivered quickly, safely, and seamlessly integrated into the existing terminal environment.
Australian Temporary Structures was engaged to design and deliver a temporary terminal expansion that would operate as a fully functional passenger check-in facility.
The result was a premium, purpose-built modular terminal delivered as a turnkey solution.
The Adelaide Airport Challenge
Airports operate in highly controlled, high-traffic environments where downtime is not an option. The project presented several key challenges:
Deliver a fully operational check-in facility within a live airport environment
Integrate the building with the existing terminal infrastructure
Maintain passenger safety, accessibility and workflow
Install within tight operational constraints and noise restrictions
Provide a cost-efficient alternative to permanent construction
Ensure the structure could be removed or relocated in future
ATS worked closely with Adelaide Airport stakeholders to develop a solution that would meet strict operational, safety and engineering requirements.
The solution
ATS supplied a 15m x 25m x 3m side height curved roof Premium Structure, retrofitted specifically for the airport site and installed as a complete turnkey project.
The building was installed adjacent to the existing terminal and connected seamlessly to the passenger flow.
Key features of the terminal
The temporary terminal was designed to function as a real airport check-in hall, not just a shelter.
Structure & footprint
15m x 25m clear-span Premium curved roof structure
375m² internal floor area
Cassette flooring system
Retrofitted to fit tightly against the existing terminal building
Building envelope
Glass walling for visibility and natural light
ISO wall panels for thermal performance and durability
Guttering and downpipe system
Sliding automatic entry doors for passenger access
Internal fit-out readiness
Designed to accommodate:
Check-in counters
Passenger queuing systems
HVAC units
Digital signage
Lighting and services
Engineering & compliance
ATS delivered a full turnkey package including:
Site-specific structural engineering certification
Drawings and technical specifications
WHS compliance
Installation and project coordination
Installation in a live airport environment
Installing a building at an active airport requires precision planning and coordination.
Key project highlights:
Structure transported from NSW to Adelaide via semi-trailers
Installed by a specialist crew working within airport operating hours
Installed in approximately 7–10 days
Coordination with airport contractors and services
Crane installation onto Level 2 access area
The building was positioned hard against the existing terminal wall to create a seamless extension of the check-in area.
The outcome
The completed structure now operates as a fully functional temporary check-in hall, delivering:
Increased passenger processing capacity
Improved operational flexibility
Reduced congestion in the main terminal
A premium passenger experience
A relocatable, future-ready asset
This project demonstrates how modular structures can support airport infrastructure upgrades without the time, cost and disruption of permanent construction.
Why modular works for airports
Temporary terminals and airport expansions are an ideal application for ATS because they provide:
Rapid deployment
Minimal disruption to operations
Scalability for seasonal or project demand
Cost-effective infrastructure expansion
Future relocation or reuse options
Project summary
Client: Adelaide Airport
Application: Temporary terminal / check-in hall
Structure: 15m x 25m Premium Curved Roof Structure
Floor area: 375m²
Delivery: Turnkey supply and installation
Use: Passenger check-in and queuing facility
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