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Sydney Airport’s Master Plan 2045 has received a green light from the Federal Government.
The plan, which forecasts more than 72 million passengers through the airport per year by 2045, includes a proposed redevelopment of the domestic precinct to link terminals 2 and 3, with space also added for international flights.
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“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,” said airport CEO Scott Charlton.
“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. Importantly, it provides a framework for growing sustainably and responsibly, minimising environmental impacts and working closely with the communities surrounding the airport.
“I’d like to thank the Australian Government and Minister King for their support and endorsement of the Master Plan.
“I also want to acknowledge the valuable contributions of our partners, government agencies, and the community throughout the planning process, and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver this vision for Sydney Airport’s future.”
Under the plan, the T2 terminal – currently home to Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and other regional airlines – and the T3 Qantas domestic terminal will be joined together, with up to 12 new international gates also to be added to the precinct alongside two more at T1 International.
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.
“The plan also proposes expanding freight handling facilities at the airport to accommodate an increase in air freight, which SACL estimates will rise from 600,000 tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 million tonnes in 2045,” the Transport Minister’s office noted in a press release.
“There will be a particular focus on the timely retrieval of freight in the holds of passenger planes, expected to carry as much 80 per cent of future freight volumes.
“These upgrades will ensure crucial connectivity to airports across Australia while supporting tourism and economic prosperity for decades to come.”
According to Transport Minister Catherine King, as Australia’s busiest airport, Sydney Kingsford Smith 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.”
A total of 9.96 million passengers travelled through Sydney’s terminals in Q2 2026, down 0.7 per cent on the same period in 2025.
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