Big change coming to Sydney Airport under Master Plan 2039

IT’S a dizzying statistic; more than 43 million passengers passed through this airport last year. And a new master plan has revealed a surprising plan to transform it.

THEY are dizzying statistics: More than 43.4 million passengers passed through Sydney Airport last year, with 348,520 aircraft movements.

But if you thought the nation’s biggest airport was already bursting at the seams, you’ll need to brace yourself for what’s to come because things are set to get a lot busier.

According to the Sydney Airport Master Plan 2039, which was released yesterday, passenger numbers are forecasted to increase by a whopping 51 per cent to 65.6 million in the next 20 years. That’s despite the new airport opening in 2026 at Badgerys Creek in 2026.

International passengers are expected to be the main driver of growth at Sydney Airport, and are much more valuable to our economy than domestic passengers. So airport executives have decided more needs to be done to accommodate them.

The solution outlined in the report is to move some international flights into domestic terminals.

According to the report: “Our proximity to Asia and increases in global tourism and travel are expected to drive international travel. In particular, growth in major Asian markets, including China, India, South Korea and Vietnam.

Generic Aerial pictures of Sydney Airport

“By 2039 we anticipate that the split between domestic and international passengers travelling through the airport will be 52 per cent and 48 per cent respectively.

“ … All of the forecasts for Sydney Airport assume that from late 2026 Sydney’s aviation demand will be served by two international airports.”

Under the plan, international flights will be operated from the T2 and T3 domestic terminals. T1 will remain the main international terminal, however.

The Sydney Airport masterplan has been revealed.

Interestingly, despite the huge jump in passenger numbers, aircraft movement figures are expected to increase only by 17 per cent in a sign that the already tight squeeze on-board flights is expected to get even more cramped.

“Growth in total aircraft movements is expected to be significantly lower than passenger growth; 408,260 aircraft movement are forecast in 2039, an increase of 17 per cent on 2017,” the report states.

“This reflects airline feedback and expectations regarding continued up-gauging of aircraft and increased seat density and load factors.”

This essentially means there will be bigger planes and more seats on-board each aircraft.

Things could soon get even more cramped for flyers out of Sydney Airport.

The already struggling road network around the airport is earmarked for expansion in order to cope with the increased pressure, along with improvements to parking and pedestrian access.

Between 2019 and 2024, there are a range of measures that will be put in place to enhance the T2/T3 terminals. That includes the widening of the Qantas Drive up to four lanes in each direction, the redevelopment of the P1 carpark to improve access to rail and taxis, and new road access to arrivals and departures.

A new Ground Transport Interchange will also be built, along with a new P8 carpark pick-up and drop-off facility with entry to level 2.

New pedestrian connections and traffic ramps are also earmarked for completion within the next five years.

The plans for the domestic terminals.

The plan updated the Sydney Airport Master Plan 2033, which was approved in 2014.

Sydney's continuing traffic congestion in getting to the Kingsford Smith Airport.