Brisbane Airport starts work on $5b redevelopment

Queensland’s gateway to the world will begin its ambitious $5 billion refurbishment this week, with the 10-year project set to reimagine how we travel. SEE THE PLANS, VIDEO

Brisbane Airport will this week launch a $5 billion redevelopment set to transform Queensland’s gateway to the world.

Phase one of the 10-year project will see a complete overhaul of airport entryways and access to flights at the domestic terminal, with travellers able to move straight from the car park to a new security screening system while passengers can relax pre-flight in cafe-style gate lounges or enjoy the offerings of almost a dozen new dining outlets.

A new mezzanine level will give travellers with carry-on luggage direct access to a state-of-the-art security screening zone with new technology able to scan electronic equipment such as laptops and computer tablets without the need for it to be removed from luggage.

A new mezzanine level will allow travellers with hand luggage to walk straight from the car park to security screening stations. Picture: Brisbane Airport Corporation

The upgrades are expected to slash many minutes from the convoluted process of arriving at the airport through to takeoff.

Phase one will also include the installation of a new baggage system, extra levels for the onsite car parks and a complete upgrade of bathrooms and other facilities in a three-year undertaking to be carefully staged to avoid disruption for the 60,000 travellers visiting the airport daily.

Baggage conveyors will also be given a complete overhaul. Picture: Brisbane Airport Corporation

The redevelopment will consist of an incredible 150 projects to transform Queensland’s biggest transport base.

Future phases will include upgrades to the international terminal and continued planning for a new Terminal 3 Precinct.

New dining precincts and expanded departure gate lounges will be part of phase one of the redevelopment. Picture: Brisbane Airport Corporation

Other aviation projects will see 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 at Brisbane Airport.

By the time of the 2032 Olympics, it is estimated the airport’s 20,000-strong workforce will have swelled to 30,000 and the number of annual passengers to 30 million.

A new security screening portal will be constructed on a mezzanine level to allow smoother access for departing travellers. Picture: Brisbane Airport Corporation

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert‐Jan de Graaff said now was the right time to kick off the biggest upgrade in the facility’s history.

“We’re investing now to get ahead of the population growth curve so we’re ready for

2032 and beyond,” he said.

“We’re investing now so Queenslanders and the world are more closely connected.

“And we’re investing now to be a leader in sustainability.”

An artist’s impression of the northern baggage screening facility. Picture: Brisbane Airport Corporation

He said the airport was committed to delivering the best possible experience for travellers.

“The Brisbane Airport domestic terminal is the most-connected domestic terminal in

Australia with services to 61 destinations ‐ no other terminal in the country comes close, so

it is a very important transport hub (and) – half of those destinations are in Queensland,” he said.

An artist’s impression of the new Central Baggage System. Picture: Brisbane Airport Corporation

“We will look after travellers every step of the way.

“The challenge is we are undertaking a vast project while still connecting 60,000

passengers to their destinations each day.

“It’s a bit like doing open heart surgery on a patient while they’re running a marathon.

“It won’t be easy, but we must get it done so our terminal meets Australian Government mandated security standards for safer travel.”

Travellers are advised to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before domestic flights during the construction phase.

Other projects in the first phase of the redevelopment include the construction of charging stations for airside electric vehicles and expanded bus lounges for passengers requiring shuttles to planes taking off from more remote departure bays.