Sunshine Coast Airport’s bold expansion plans for international routes
International growth is on the cards for the Sunshine Coast Airport after a major draft scheme was given the green light last year, but federal funding is needed for plans to take shape.
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Sunshine Coast Airport is undergoing significant expansion as it solidifies its position as one of the fastest-growing airports in Australia, with the hopes of flying internationally to the Asia and Pacific regions in the future.
Sunshine Coast Airport achieved a major milestone in December last year with the launch of its first year-round international service to Auckland.
However, Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills noted the airport currently lacks the infrastructure needed to further expand international services.
“To unlock future international connections, Sunshine Coast Airport will need support from the federal government to construct an international facility,” Mr Mills explained.
“Other airports have received support from the federal government to build international facilities.
“It’s important that our region also receives support for future growth and connectivity, not just to benefit from the opportunities created by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he added.
“Internationally, improving connectivity to New Zealand is the first step, before seeking other opportunities in Asia and the Pacific region.
Mr Mills said that for now, the airport’s primary focus was completing the domestic terminal works.
“When that project is complete, and if we have support from the federal government, we will be able to progress planning for international terminal works,” he said.
He said the airport is currently expanding its domestic terminal by 50 per cent, a project he said was designed to create a more modern, efficient, and comfortable experience for passengers.
The upgrade began in December last year with improvements to security screening equipment, and more significant construction works are expected to start later this year.
“Over the coming years, the airport plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the domestic terminal expansion and other projects to support the Sunshine Coast Airport Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme,” Mr Mills said.
The Sunshine Coast Airport PDA Development Scheme, approved under the Economic Development Act 2012, covers the entire 460ha airport site in Marcoola.
Declared in July 2023, the scheme took effect on September 27, 2024, regulating land development to support planning, co-ordination, and future growth.
According to the state government, 50 per cent of the land is designated for aviation use, with six precincts, each serving a unique purpose:
Precinct one focuses on aviation operations including runways and airside activities.
Precinct two serves as the airport gateway, with the terminal, retail, short-term accommodation, and aviation-related businesses.
Precinct three supports general aviation and aerospace innovation.
Precinct four offers flood-resilient activities and buffers key infrastructure, with potential for renewable energy.
Precinct five provides mixed-use developments for economic growth, employment, and residential support for visitors.
Precinct six protects environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage areas, focusing on habitat conservation and wildlife corridors.
Speaking at a press conference at Sunshine Coast City Hall earlier this month, both Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Mr Mills called for a commitment from the government to co-fund the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport’s international terminal to facilitate its opening by 2032.
“We need to see investment in international terminal facilities … we really need to see that support from the federal government for funding,” Mr Mills said.
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