An all-new Uber pickup zone has landed at Gold Coast Airport, providing a seamless and comfortable experience for arriving passengers.

Uber riders now have access to a dedicated Waiting Lounge inside the arrivals area of the terminal, before meeting their driver directly in front of Gold Coast Airport, outside baggage reclaim. The lounge is the first of its kind globally, with the built in space featuring lounge seating and amenities for arriving travellers.

Queensland Airports Limited’s Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the new partnership with Uber is about providing customers with an exceptional experience at Gold Coast Airport.

“Uber is now the largest commercial transportation service at Gold Coast Airport, so this is about making it more convenient for our customers when making their onward travel journeys,” Ms Charlton said.

“As our passenger mix continues to grow and evolve, we’re proud to embrace technologies that provide our customers with the best possible experience, while also allowing us to be innovative with how we activate the airport precinct,” she said.

“We’re continuing our innovation journey inside the terminal as well, as we prepare to roll out a new call to board strategy that encourages customers to relax in the departure lounge for longer before their gate is allocated shortly before boarding,” she said.

“With more than $500 million either invested or in the pipeline for upgrades at Gold Coast Airport, including our Southern Terminal Expansion, we’re upgrading our precinct and making changes and these changes are about ensuring we’re using our terminal space as efficiently as possible to allow for a smooth passenger journey.”

The construction of the new Uber pickup zone also provided an opportunity to enhance the safety and accessibility at the front of the terminal – including additional ramps and a dedicated accessible pickup bay.

With Uber continuing to grow as a preference for travelling customers, there was a need to provide additional space for Uber pickups to help reduce congestion on airport roadways.

Dom Taylor, Uber ANZ Managing Director said: “We’re excited to continue to partner with airports throughout the region to deliver a seamless travel experience for customers. Combining in-terminal amenities with an exclusive waiting lounge, in addition to the convenience of kerbside pickups, enables travellers to kick off their time in South East Queensland as smoothly and as efficiently as possible.”

The taxi zone at Gold Coast Airport has also been relocated to the front of the Southern Terminal Expansion, providing greater space and flexibility for drivers as the precinct extends.

“For our customers who prefer to take a taxi, we’ve dedicated a brand-new area to them as well with seating and shade in front of our new terminal building,” Ms Charlton said.