Wednesday 20 November 2023

• Sydney Airport reveals ambitious plans to modernise T2 Domestic terminal, the first major upgrade in more than 30 years
• $200 million investment will enhance passenger experience with streamlined check-in, faster security, and updated facilities
• New layout, more bag drop technology, and next-gen security technology to speed up departures and improve efficiency
• Once complete, it is anticipated that 95 per cent of passengers will travel from the kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes

Sydney Airport has unveiled its design vision for the much-anticipated overhaul of the T2 Domestic terminal, the first major redevelopment in more than three decades at Australia’s busiest domestic terminal.

The $200 million investment aims to provide a faster, smoother, and more efficient travel experience for the 17 million passengers that use T2 every year, focusing on next-generation technology, modern facilities, and greater operational efficiency.

Once complete, it is anticipated that 95 per cent of passengers will travel from the kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes.

The new layout will introduce more self-service kiosks and new bag drop technology, allowing passengers to take control of their check-in process and speed up departures. With the airport currently processing 1,500 bags per hour at peak times, this upgrade will boost capacity to 1,800 bags per hour by 2026, further enhancing efficiency.

In line with the Australian Government’s security mandate to install ‘standard three’ security equipment by the end of 2025, the terminal will feature next-generation security technology and state-of-the-art scanners across seven processing lanes totalling 26 metres.

These new systems will allow passengers to leave items like laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage, dramatically reducing security processing times, with each lane able to process 500 passengers per hour— a 113 per cent increase compared to the current average throughput of 235 passengers per hour.

The streamlined security design will feature dedicated lanes for family and assistance, while two brand new lifts post-security will provide a more seamless experience for passengers to access the food court and gate lounges.

Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport, said: “We are excited to announce our design vision for the T2 Domestic terminal. We believe these changes will make the T2 experience one of the fastest and most efficient in Australia which is a great outcome for passengers and our airline partners.

“These upgrades will not only transform security performance but will also support future demand, ensuring that Australia’s busiest airport terminal can accommodate the significant growth in passenger numbers we’re forecasting.

“These significant upgrades build on a series of improvements made over the past 12 months at T2, including the opening of the first Australian domestic airport department store in December 2023, new food, beverage and retail offerings – all designed to enhance the passenger experience and elevate the journey from start to finish.

"While we understand that the upgrade works may cause temporary disruption, we want to thank passengers and our airline partners for their patience and understanding during this important transformation. We’re working hard to minimise any inconvenience and ensure the terminal remains operational throughout the process.”

T1 International Security Upgrade on Track for 2025

Sydney Airport’s commitment to innovation extends to the T1 International terminal, where a major upgrade to security screening is set for completion by late 2025.

In line with government-mandated security requirements, 15 new screening lanes featuring advanced CT scanning technology will be introduced, allowing passengers to leave liquids and aerosols in their hand luggage. This upgrade will increase screening capacity by nearly 30 per cent, boosting passenger throughput from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour.

Additionally, a reorientation of the departures security layout will move security screening ahead of passport control, making the process quicker and more efficient. The redesign will also create more than 300sqm of new retail space.

Two new security lanes featuring the updated technology are already in operation, with a third to be delivered by the end of the year. Once complete, there will be 15 security screening lanes providing a more efficient processing of passengers.

Collaboration with Australian Border Force

Sydney Airport is also working closely with Australian Border Force (ABF) to improve inbound border processing. As part of this partnership, the airport will invest in additional E-Gate kiosks, which ABF will operate. This collaboration reflects a concerted effort between industry and government to streamline passenger experience and enhance operational efficiency.

Increasing Capacity and Resilience

In February, a section of the $169 million South-East sector project was partially opened, marking an important milestone in enhancing Sydney Airport’s infrastructure. Designed to meet projected aviation demand and strengthen operational resilience, the project includes the addition of four new Code E capable apron bays, as well as upgrades to existing parking bays to accommodate a range of aircraft including wide-bodied A380s.

The major development will also improve aircraft movement between the International terminal and the South-East sector, featuring 1.5km of new taxiway and upgraded services, including a new fuel main to support future connections.

Once complete, the South-East sector project will enable Sydney Airport to handle more next-generation aircraft, helping to meet growing demand and enhancing the overall passenger experience as the airport continues to expand.

Refreshed Departure Gates

Seven departure gates across T1 International will create more comfortable spaces for passengers to relax before their flight. The more than 4,000sqm upgrade will feature new gate lounge layouts to reduce boarding times and contemporary finishes that align with the broader airport upgrades.

Sydney Airport welcomes 120,000 passengers each day - the equivalent of simultaneous sell-outs at Stadium Australia, the Sydney SuperDome, and the Sydney Showground.

The airport is spending nearly $2m each day as part of its ongoing investment in infrastructure, technology, and facilities to deliver a world-class service that meet the evolving needs of passengers and ensure Australia’s busiest airport remains a global leader in aviation.

• To view the new T2 design renders and images of the check-in hall currently click here
• To view the T1 International security screening upgrades click here

Notes to Editor

Sydney Airport major development program includes:

• Modernised T2 Domestic check-in hall and security screening featuring the latest technology to move passengers efficiently through the area;
• Streamlined security design featuring dedicated lanes for family and assistance with two new lifts post security;
• A reoriented T1 security screening area, with passengers moving through security prior to passport control. The new hall will incorporate the latest security screening technology to move passengers through quickly and easily; and
• Modernising and improving international departure gates to reduce aircraft boarding times and provide comfortable and relaxed lounge waiting areas.

T2 Domestic facts:

• Built in the 1990s to accommodate eight million passengers, today T2 Domestic hosts Virgin Airlines, Jetstar and regional airlines, with more than 17 million passengers every year
• If T2 Domestic were a standalone airport it would be the fourth largest in Australia