WELLINGTON, New Zealand--Auckland International Airport Ltd. said its chief executive Adrian Littlewood, who led the company through the challenges of the pandemic, will step down at the end of 2021 after nine years.

The operator of New Zealand's main international gateway said it will start a search for a new CEO and consider internal and external candidates, according to a statement on Thursday.

Mr. Littlewood said the airport is well placed for recovery after quarantine-free travel recently resumed with Australia and the Cook Islands.

His remaining months at the company will be focused on planning for reopening of borders and "resetting" the airport's infrastructure development plan, the statement said.

Write to Stephen Wright at stephen.wright@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-19-21 1744ET