Sydney Airport’s newly released preliminary draft Master Plan 2045 sets out an ambitious vision for growth that forecasts 72 million passengers a year, $70 billion in annual economic contribution and more than 105,000 direct jobs by 2045.
The plan is now on public exhibition, and members of the public, the local community, government, airlines and airport partners are invited to provide feedback.
By 2045, Sydney Airport is expected to welcome more than 72 million passengers every year, an increase of 75 percent from today.
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.
International passengers as a proportion of Sydney Airport’s total passenger volumes are expected to shift from just under 40 percent to 50.4 percent by 2045.
The plan anticipates airfreight volumes will grow to 1.4 million tonnes annually, more than double current levels.
Sydney Airport’s contribution to jobs is expected to grow significantly, directly supporting more than 105,000 jobs – around 1,500 new jobs every year, many in local communities around the airport. Including facilitated jobs in freight, trade and tourism, this figure is anticipated to reach more than 560,000 jobs.
Biggest terminal expansion since the Sydney Olympics
At the heart of the plan is a proposed expansion linking the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, creating a new precinct where regional, domestic and international services are brought under one roof.
The project will deliver up to 12 new international gates, alongside two additional gates at the T1 International Terminal, providing more capacity, smoother connections for passengers and greater efficiency for airlines. Capacity for domestic and regional airlines will also be expanded.
Growth with responsibility
The Master Plan also includes Sydney Airport’s new five-year Airport Environment Strategy, embedding environmental goals into long-term planning. The strategy commits to taking steps to reduce emissions, build climate resilience and operate more sustainably.
Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, said, “We’re pleased to release our preliminary draft Master Plan 2045 and look forward to receiving feedback from our local community, airlines and precinct partners, government at all levels – everyone who has a stake in Sydney Airport’s sustainable growth and development.
“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.
“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.”
Public consultation underway
Sydney Airport’s preliminary draft Master Plan is on public exhibition until 12 December 2025 and can be downloaded at masterplan2045.com.au.
All comments received will be carefully considered and, where appropriate, the plan will be revised before being submitted to the Federal Government’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government for consideration.
