iscover
Sydney Airport has completed a $169 million expansion of its south-east sector apron.
The airport has installed four new layover bays to support Code F aircraft like the A380, as well as upgrading two existing bays for Code E aircraft such as the 777, A340, or A350, with a flexible configuration to support up to six Code E or four Code E and two Code F aircraft.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Additionally, three new taxiways and taxilanes have been added to help reduce congestion, plus in-ground infrastructure like ground power, pre-conditioned air, and a “future-ready hydrant refuelling system”.
In a press release, the airport said the project “forms part of Sydney Airport’s broader infrastructure plan to cater for forecast international growth, investing in line with demand”.
“This project is a key part of our long-term strategy to grow and future-proof Sydney Airport,” Paul Willis, Sydney Airport’s group executive, planning and delivery, said.
“By expanding our international layover capacity, we’re unlocking greater efficiency across the airfield, freeing up gates during peak periods and improving aircraft flow and turnaround times. That means smoother operations for our airline partners and a better experience for passengers.
“While COVID temporarily paused construction, completing this project reinforces our commitment to delivering the major infrastructure needed to support Sydney Airport’s role as Australia’s international gateway for decades to come.”
Sydney’s T1 international terminal is also receiving a number of upgrades, including 15 new security screening lanes using CT technology, which are expected to increase throughput from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour.
Seven international departure gates will also be refreshed, with the airport having said it will provide more comfort to waiting passengers.
The completion of the apron upgrade comes after Sydney Airport experienced a record quarter for international travel earlier this year.
A new high of 4.32 million international passengers passed through its terminals in the first quarter of 2025, up 3.9 per cent on the same quarter in 2024, as well as 6.08 million domestic and regional passengers for a total of 10.4 million.
These domestic figures represent a drop of 1.3 per cent year on year; however, international travel by Australian passport holders was up 7.5 per cent, with South Korean, Indian and Philippine passport holders also increasing on last year.
