Brisbane Airport’s $5bn Upgrade Takes Off

Work has begun on the biggest upgrade in Brisbane Airport’s history this week with the transformation of the domestic terminal.

It is part of the $5-billion-plus Future BNE investment program that includes upgrades to the domestic terminal, international terminal and to continue planning a new terminal 3 precinct.

Other aviation projects include the expansion of aircraft parking and aprons, the resurfacing of the legacy runway, and the construction of a state-of-the-art aeromedical facility to centralise medical repatriation and emergency services.

The airport coporation said the program encompasses around 150 projects and would take three years.

Work began this week to bring the domestic terminal, which was opened just before World Expo ’88, into the 21st century. 

Sparked by requirements to upgrade security screening equipment to meet Australian government standards by the end of 2025, Brisbane Airport Corporation said it would use the opportunity to refresh the terminal in a series of projects that will transform Queensland’s gateway to the world.   

It includes a new mezzanine level above the existing Central Terminal Area. 

When finished, it will allow direct access from Skywalk (the walkway connecting carparks to the terminal) into security screening for passengers who have already checked-in and only have carry-on bags.  

▲ The expansion of aircraft parking and aprons is part of the overall plans.

Other aspects of the domestic terminal upgrade include a new baggage system, self check-in upgrades, bathroom refurbishment, new dining facilities, refreshed departure lounges and a carpark expansion.

“The Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal is the most connected domestic terminal in Australia with services to 61 destinations, so it is a very important transport hub,” Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said.

“Half of those destinations are in Queensland.  

“In the past year, 20 million passengers travelled through Brisbane Airport, and we expect that to grow by 10 million passengers in the coming decade as Queensland’s population expands—and our terminals need to be ready. 

▲ A render of part of the Brisbane airport domestic terminal upgrade.

“More than 20,000 people come to work at Brisbane Airport every day and we forecast that to grow to 30,000 by the time the flame is lit at the Opening Ceremony for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“Future BNE will also create thousands of construction jobs as our 150 projects come to life.”   

There will be changes to the way passengers pass through the airport during the three-year construction period. Travellers will be guided by airport ambassadors, customer service officers, updated signs and online advice including social media channels.