Gold Coast Airport’s $260m Expansion Ready To welcome Travellers

The next phase of Gold Coast Airport’s new terminal extension has opened, with international travellers welcomed today, bringing the three-year project to a close.

Amelia Evans, CEO of Queensland Airports Limited, said that opening international services marks another significant milestone in the recovery of Queensland Airports Limited and the tourism industry following two difficult years of COVID-19 impacts.

“Passenger numbers at Gold Coast Airport continue to grow, with over 500,000 passengers passing through the terminal in October, with flights in and out of the Gold Coast operating at 90% passenger capacity,” Ms Evans said. We will continue to focus on increasing passenger volume by working closely with the airlines, government, and destination partners to secure additional capacity, new carriers, and new international and domestic flight connections.”

Senator Murray Watt of Queensland joined Ms Evans in cutting the ribbon to officially open the new building.

Senator Watt recognised Gold Coast Airport’s national significance as Australia’s sixth-largest airport in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities.

“The Gold Coast is a world-class tourism destination, and I’m delighted that this new terminal will welcome even more visitors from across the world to enjoy everything the Coast has to offer,” Minister Watt said.

“This development will benefit both locals and tourists, and it will be especially vital to assist this booming region in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.”

The three-year construction of the new three-level, 30,000-square-metre addition, which connects seamlessly with the existing terminal, created over 2,000 local jobs.

It features new stores, cafes, and six new gates, allowing the tarmac to accommodate 19 aircraft. There are four new glass aerobridges, seven escalators, nine lifts, a departure lounge, and a new baggage handling room.

Heinemann’s expanded duty-free store, which features nearly 40 additional brands, is now open. The relocation of international services into the new terminal extension will allow for the addition of 18 new food and beverage and retail outlets at Gold Coast Airport through 2023.

“Gold Coast Airport is located directly on the border between Queensland and New South Wales and is the second largest airport in both states.” “This extra facility more than doubles our terminal size, allowing us to accommodate existing and future passenger capacity,” said Ms Evans.

“We are prepared to welcome the entire world.” Our international and domestic travellers will continue to enjoy quick and easy access through our airport and a warm welcome from our dedicated team, whether they use the existing or newly extended terminal. The coming year will be exciting for our sector, with trust restored and people keen to go to and discover domestic and international places.”

“Passenger numbers for all of our Queensland airports continue to rebuild month after month, and we anticipate to see that mirrored in the recovering international market,” she said.

“It also means we’ll be ready for the expected increase in services in the run-up to the 2032 Olympics.”

With about $500 million in works delivered, underway, or in the pipeline, this project is essential to the ongoing transformation of the Gold Coast Airport precinct.