Perth Airport has begun trials of its new P1 transportation hub, which will replace the Terminal 1 forecourt road as the terminal’s main access point, and launched a public information campaign ahead of the change.
Once P1 opens, all Terminal 1 passenger pickup and drop-off will move to the hub’s ground level, accessed via Airport Drive. The airport said the facility will have 70% more pickup and drop-off bays than the current Terminal 1 area. The forecourt road has served the airport in various forms since 1986.
P1 spans six levels and will host taxis, rideshare services, accessible parking and more than 1,700 parking bays, including short-term, premium, motorcycle and car rental bays. Smart bay-finding technology will direct customers to available spaces, and there will be accessible ACROD (Australian Council for Rehabilitation of Disabled) parking on every level.
Terminal 2 will also be affected. Taxi and rideshare pickups for that terminal will move to the P1 ground level, while the existing express pickup and drop-off area outside Terminal 2 will remain open.
Closing the current Terminal 1 pickup and drop-off lane will allow landscaping and final finishing works that could not be carried out while the forecourt remained operational, Perth Airport said. Trials and final testing over the coming weeks will determine the opening date.
Perth Airport chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said, “P1 is a major investment in the customer journey and an important step in Perth Airport’s long-term vision for aviation in Western Australia.”
She added, “These are significant changes for people traveling through Terminal 1, so passengers, visitors and drivers should plan ahead. Customers should review the maps and videos before traveling, follow on-site signage and allow extra time as they become familiar with the new layout.”
The airport has launched an online information hub with updated maps, FAQs, journey planning information and step-by-step videos.
P1 is part of a multibillion-dollar investment program covering expanded and upgraded terminal, runway and ground transportation infrastructure. Western Australian artists were commissioned to create the P1 façade artwork and a forecourt sculpture.
In related news, Perth Airport releases concept designs for new terminal
