Sydney Airport to link domestic terminals in major expansion

The move will bring the airport’s T2 and T3 terminal precinct in line with Western Sydney International (WSI), which is set to open with an integrated domestic and international terminal including “swing gates” that can switch between the two.

Sydney Airport expects annual passenger numbers to grow 75 per cent to 72 million by 2045, with a total of $70 billion in annual economic contribution.

“International passenger numbers are forecast to grow to 36.4 million annually, with domestic and regional passenger set to increase to 36.2 million by 2045,” the airport said in a press release.

“International passengers as a proportion of Sydney Airport’s total passenger volumes are expected to shift from just under 40 per cent to 50.4 per cent by 2045.

“The plan anticipates airfreight volumes will grow to 1.4 million tonnes annually, more than double current levels.”

According to airport chief executive Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport will support more than 105,000 direct jobs by 2045, and the expansion will “provide more capacity, smoother connections for passengers and greater efficiency for airlines”.

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“When Sydney Airport grows, so does business, trade, tourism and jobs. This plan is about building the future of Australia’s gateway and ensuring we are ready to play our part in NSW’s ambitious visitor economy strategy,” he said.

“The proposed major terminal expansion joining the T2 and T3 Terminals will be the most significant development at Sydney Airport since the Olympics, and will unlock greater capacity across all terminals, more efficient use of our runways, and ultimately get passengers from the ground and into the air more quickly.

“We are conscious that growth also brings responsibility. We’re committed to managing aircraft noise, taking steps to reduce our emissions footprint, and working closely with residents, councils and government to make sure the benefits of growth are shared.”

The release of the master plan comes as Sydney Airport undertakes a $200 million renovation to the T2 terminal, the first in more than 30 years. The project includes overhauls to check-in, bag drop, and security areas, with the aim of getting passengers from kerb to gate within 15 minutes.

Around 17 million passengers use Terminal 2 every year, which was built in the 1990s to handle around eight million annual passengers and would be Australia’s fourth largest airport if it stood alone.

The T1 international terminal is also receiving upgrades, with 15 new screening lanes using CT technology expected to increase throughput from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour. Seven international departure gates will be refreshed, with the airport having said it will provide more comfort to waiting passengers.