Brisbane Airport $5bn upgrade to transform international terminal

The biggest transformation of Brisbane Airport’s international terminal in its three-decade history will make travel smoother than ever.

• Brisbane Airport history in photos

Work has started on a massive upgrade of Brisbane Airport’s international terminal, including major changes to passenger processing, refurbished retail outlets and a doubled duty free store, as part of a $5bn investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

In the biggest transformation since the terminal opened almost 30 years ago, security screening and passport control will be moved from the windowless third floor to the level-four atrium to accommodate new hi-tech screening equipment, allowing travellers to leave items such as laptops in their bags.

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

The dramatic overhaul has been partly driven by the need to upgrade security screening equipment by the end of next year to meet federal standards.

It is part of the $5bn Future BNE project also involving construction of a third terminal, upgrades to the domestic terminal and extensive commercial, retail and industrial projects across the airport precinct.

“Our international terminal is Queensland’s gateway to the world,” Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said.

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

“After three decades of service, it’s well and truly time for a transformation, ensuring it’s ready to welcome the world for years to come.

“This building is worth billions of dollars to Queensland’s tourism economy and jobs every year.”

Mr de Graaff said moving security screening and passport control up a level to the larger fourth-floor atrium was needed for new and bigger CT scanners, and would also provide travellers with a brighter, naturally lit space reflecting the Queensland experience.

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

“Travellers will enjoy less hassle with the new screening system, by keeping laptops and other electronic items in their bags,” he said.

“It’s faster, smoother and provides more accurate screening.”

Other features of the upgrade will include a new self-service check-in kiosk and bag drop, 31 refurbished retail outlets, a Lotte Duty Free outlet twice its existing size, and electric charging stations for aircraft servicing vehicles.

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

Existing tiles in the terminal made from Brisbane tuff volcanic rock – originally quarried at Kangaroo Point in the 1880s and used in some of Brisbane’s oldest buildings – is being repurposed as terrazzo benchtops and furniture as part of the renovation.

Mr de Graaff said the project, due for completion in 2027, would be carefully optimised to minimise disruption.

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

The terminal has welcomed a total of 110 million passengers since it opened, including 5.6 million in 2023-24 – up almost 40 per cent on the previous year.

Details of the revamp will be unveiled in an animation shown to international airline bosses at the Australia Pacific Aviation Summit at Queen’s Wharf on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mr de Graaff said planning for a third terminal to integrate domestic and international passengers was underway.

It’s expected to open just before the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport

An artist’s impression of how the international terminal will look after a $5bn redevelopment of Brisbane Airport