One of Australia’s busiest airports, currently handling more than 10 million passengers a year, is preparing for even more travellers in the coming decades with a major upgrade.
The first part of Brisbane Airport’s $5 billion transformation is the international terminal, which is getting its biggest makeover since it opened in September 1995.
Last week, CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff gave a first glimpse of what passengers can expect at Australia’s third-busiest airport in the coming years.
Every aspect of the transformation is aimed at improving and smoothing the experience for travelers and those dropping off or picking up passengers.
An important development is the new CT security equipment that produces high-quality 3D images of bags.
This means you can leave your laptop, other electronics, aerosols, gels and liquids in your hand luggage when going through security.
This increases processing speed, which means shorter queues for travelers.
In 2018, the previous Coalition government directed Australian airports to implement CT technology by the end of 2025.
Australia’s third-busiest airport is preparing to handle even more passengers in the coming decades with a massive $5 billion upgrade.
Security checks and passport control at the international terminal will also be made more pleasant.
It will be relocated from a windowless space on the third floor to a much brighter, naturally lit space on the fourth floor, which the airport believes reflects the Queensland experience.
The terminal also features a self-service check-in and baggage handling area, improved retail facilities and a duty-free zone that is twice the size of the current one.
Electric charging stations are also being installed for aircraft vehicles such as pushback, baggage and cargo vehicles.
Not only is this better for the environment, but the increasing use of electric vehicles also makes the platform a quieter workplace.
The first part of the transformation at Brisbane Airport is the international terminal which is getting its biggest makeover since it opened in September 1995. Pictured is an artist’s rendering
Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO of Brisbane Airport, proudly presented an animated video of the new terminal to hundreds of industry leaders at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Brisbane on Thursday.
Mr De Graaff joked that the video animation about the coming changes was ‘just the easy part, now we have to build the thing’.
“Everything must be aimed at providing our passengers with a stress-free and enjoyable journey,” the spokesperson said.
The airport director asked airlines to be patient during the renovation, as the airport will still handle around 75,000 passengers per day during construction.
“I promise you the wait will be worth it,” he said.
To limit the impact on passengers and airlines, the massive project will be carried out in 20 phases, with construction expected to be completed in 2027.
The security screening area at the international terminal will be relocated from a windowless area on level three to a much brighter, naturally lit space on level four. Artist’s impression
In addition to the major changes to the international terminal, the domestic terminal is also being modernised and a new terminal three is being built, which will be located between the two parallel runways.
“Ultimately, we will integrate domestic and international passengers into this new facility,” Mr De Graaff said.
“We need to determine whether this integration will happen from day one or in phases.
‘What we know for sure is that sustainability and accessibility will be anchored in the design of Terminal 3.’