Queensland’s largest airport has released new visuals showcasing the future international terminal, which forms part of a $5 billion makeover.
It will include the most significant changes to the terminal since it opened 29 years ago.
Driven by the need to upgrade security screening equipment to meet Federal Government standards by the end of 2025, Brisbane Airport is undertaking major works across the terminal.
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, said, “Our International Terminal is Queensland’s gateway to the world. After three decades of service, it’s well and truly time for a transformation, ensuring it’s ready to welcome the world for years to come. This building is worth billions of dollars to Queensland’s tourism economy and jobs every year.”
The work at the International Terminal is part of the $5 billion Future BNE transformation over the coming decade that includes upgrades to the Domestic Terminal, construction of Terminal 3, and extensive commercial, retail and industrial projects across the precinct.
New next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) security screening equipment is being introduced for passengers and baggage.
“Travellers will enjoy less hassle with the new screening system, by keeping laptops and other electronic items in their bags. It’s faster, smoother, and provides more accurate screening,” Mr de Graaff said.
Advanced self-service technology at bag drop and check-in is also being introduced as part of the upgrade.
The new technology enables Brisbane Airport to reduce queues, and passengers to choose between a smooth self-service or agent-led experience, powered by reliable technology that removes friction at check-in and bag drop.
“The first new-generation check-in row is already up and running, and the feedback from travellers and airline staff has been fantastic. It’s a giant leap from the 1990s to now,” Mr de Graaff said.
The transformation of the International Terminal will also extend outside to the apron where a network of charging infrastructure tailored specifically to support ground support equipment (GSE) will be installed.
“Not only will this convert vehicles from fossil fuels to sustainable sources, but it will also make the apron a quieter workplace for the hundreds of people who work loading and dispatching aircraft every day, as well as passengers,” Mr de Graaff said.
Carefully optimised staging of the project into 20 phases will minimise impacts for passengers and airlines throughout construction which should conclude in 2027.
“As anyone who has ever renovated a house will know, construction comes with challenges, but we are working to keep impacts to a minimum, while remaining open and catering for up to 20,000 international passengers a day. The project is being broken down into 20 construction phases to reduce impacts, but as with all good renovation projects, we know the wait will be worth it.”
While the renovation of the International Terminal is our focus today, work also continues of planning for Terminal 3.
“We have begun planning for a Terminal 3 development, which will be conveniently located between our two parallel runways,” Mr de Graaff said.
“Eventually, we will integrate domestic and international passengers into this new facility. We need to determine whether this integration will happen from day one or in stages. What we know for sure is that sustainability and accessibility will be baked into the design of Terminal 3.”
Image: Brisbane Airport
