The master plan will see the redevelopment of the T2 and T3 domestic terminals with the addition of a link terminal (centre) adding 12 additional swing gates, and an additional pier to T2 (right). Image: SACL.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport’s (KSA) ambitious plans to radically upgrade the airport by 2045 have been approved by the Federal Government.
The government said it had approved the plans as it recognised the airport’s ongoing role as a critical domestic and international gateway to Australia’s largest city.
Despite the opening of rival Western Sydney Airport (WSI) to domestic freight flights in July and to passenger services from this October, the new airport is expected to cater for increases in services rather than take flights away from KSA.
The Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 will see radical improvements made to all three of KSA’s terminals, with the International Terminal T1 to be expanded, and the domestic Terminals T2 and T3 to be substantially redeveloped.
Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) forecasts significant expansion of KSA’s operations to 2045, with total passenger movements forecast to reach 72.6 million per year by then, a 123 per cent increase in domestic and regional passenger movements, and 44 per cent more international passengers compared to those recorded in 2024.
The master plan will also see expanded freight handling facilities, with freight forecast to more than double from 600,000 tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 million tonnes by 2045. It says there will be a focus on the timely retrieval of freight carried in the bellies of passenger airliners which it says will comprise as much as 80 per cent of future freight volumes.
A major element of the master plan will see T2 (Virgin and Jetstar) and T3 (Qantas domestic) linked together which will create a new precinct where regional, domestic and international services are brought under one roof.
The new link between T2 and T3 will see up to 12 new domestic or international ‘swing’ gates added, while two more gates will be added to the T1 International Terminal. T2 will also have a third pier added at the eastern end of the terminal which will add extra capacity for domestic and regional services.
The master plan hasn’t addressed how additional services will be catered for within the airport’s strict hourly cap of 70 aircraft movements and overnight curfew between 11 pm and 6 am.
The government says, while the airport’s projected noise footprint in 2045 will be lower than current levels, SACL has been asked to adapt existing noise abatement procedures to minimise any additional impact on local communities as activity grows. Those procedures include take-offs and landings over Botany Bay where possible.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said Kingsford Smith was Australia’s busiest airport and it must remain fit for the future.
“Airports aren’t artworks – they’re constantly evolving to become more efficient and improve the passenger experience, and this new master plan maps out the airport’s plan to do just that,” she said.
“As demand grows, a modern Kingsford Smith will remain crucial to transport, tourism and industry across NSW and the nation.”
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton added, “As Sydney grows, Sydney Airport must grow with it.
“Approval of Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 provides a clear pathway to plan for future demand and invest in the infrastructure Sydney will need over the next two decades.
“As Australia’s international gateway, this plan ensures we can continue supporting tourism, trade, investment and jobs while delivering the capacity needed for future generations,” he added.
“Importantly, it provides a framework for growing sustainably and responsibly, minimising environmental impacts and working closely with the communities surrounding the airport.”
The approval announcement was quickly followed by the announced by SACL of the appointment of Multiplex to provide construction planning and delivery of the T2 and T3 redevelopment.
Sydney Airport Group Executive, Planning and Delivery Paul Willis said Multiplex provided valuable construction and delivery expertise as the airport continued to develop its major development plan.
“This is a highly complex project in the heart of a live airport precinct,” he said.
“Early collaboration between the airport, designers and contractor will help us test how the project can be built and staged safely and efficiently, while minimising impacts on passengers, airlines and airport operations.”
