A new passenger lounge, shopping hub and security processing zone will be part of a major upgrade of Auckland Airport.

The airport has announced the details of the upgrade to its international departure area today.

It's confirmed the international departure area will be doubled, with a reconfigured landslide farewell area, and expanded area for security screening.

Chief executive Adrian Littlewood said today's announcement is a major step forward towards a 30-year vision to the airport of the future.

He said the airport currently accommodates 16 million people a year, but hopes to accommodate 40 million by 2040.