Brisbane Airport is embarking on a $5 billion upgrade, with construction to start on the domestic terminal this week.
Key points:
- The Brisbane Airport upgrade is set to be finished in 2032 to accommodate Queensland’s growing population
- The domestic terminal will undergo construction first, with new additions expected to be finished in 2025
- The upgrade will also allow passengers who have already checked in and only have carry-on baggage to enter security directly
It’s part of the airport’s Future BNE project, which includes more than 150 projects to transform the current facility ahead of the expected increase in travellers — set to climb by 10 million within the coming decade.
Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graff said that conducting the construction while continuing the smooth operation of terminals would be worth it in the end.
“It will be challenging because every day there are about 60,000 people using this building and we’re going to do all this work at the same time,” Mr de Graff said.
“That is like an open-heart surgery while running a marathon, but we’re up for it.”
The new security screening portion of the project is due to be completed by the end of 2025 — due to upgraded standards set by the Australian government — and will allow passengers to keep most of their items in their bags.
A new mezzanine level will connect to the skywalk and allow passengers, who have already checked in online and are travelling only with carry-on baggage, to walk straight from the carpark to security screening.
Baggage system to become streamlined
The airport will also see a much-needed upgrade to its baggage system, with the current systems merging into one to streamline the check-in and baggage claim process for passengers.
Mr de Graff said it would be an incredible improvement for both travellers and staff working in the baggage areas.
“Currently our baggage system consists of three different systems and they’re not talking to each other,” he said.
“We’re able to build a new system that works for all airlines in the same way for check-in as well as reclaim of baggage.”
New look in time for Olympics
Passengers will also benefit from more self check-in facilities, bathroom refurbishments, and refreshed gate departure lounges.
Mr de Graff said that the current 80s-styled gates would be transformed into modern lounges.
“We’re bringing the lounge experience from the business lounges into the terminal and making it available for every traveller at Brisbane Airport,” he said.
Ten new dining options would also be available, including a 360-degree restaurant and a new bar with views of the runway.
Charging stations will be made available for airside electric vehicles in line with Brisbane Airport’s mission to electrify 70 per cent of airside vehicles by 2026.
“By implementing charging systems we’re able to give the airline’s on-ground handlers the opportunity to change their diesel fuel handling equipment into electric handling equipment, which is a big improvement from a sustainability perspective,” Mr de Graff said.
Head of Terminal Operations Stacy Pollard said the upgrade was due to be completed in time for the Brisbane Olympic Games.
“It will be a very staged process but we’re extremely excited to start this renovation on this terminal,” Ms Pollard said.
“We need to make sure we’re ready, we need to have capacity, we need to have growth as we work toward the 2032 Paralympic and Olympic Games.
“It will be worth the wait and we’re excited to take you on this journey.”