Gold coast airport’s $260m world-class expansion is ready to take off

The modern, 30,000sq m domestic and international terminal doubles the airport’s footprint and supports current and future growth for the popular holiday and business destinations of the Gold Coast and northern NSW.

The three-level, beautifully designed terminal took three years to build and created 2,000 local jobs. It includes new shops and cafes, six new gates and room for up to 19 large aircraft.

It has four glass aerobridges, seven escalators and nine lifts, new boarding facilities, a departure lounge, baggage handling and border control facilities as well as a parents room, multi-faith room and a VIP room.

People waiting in the international departure lounge will enjoy spectacular views across the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales hinterland.

From October 2022, those flying direct to the Gold Coast from New Zealand, Singapore and Japan will arrive via the terminal expansion and in March 2023, it will welcome passengers from Bali.

The new terminal seamlessly connects with the existing terminal and is central to the ongoing development of the Gold Coast Airport precinct, with about $500 million worth of works delivered, underway or in the pipeline.

Gold Coast Airport CEO Amelia Evans said the airport expansion would meet the significant anticipated growth in services in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and improve the experience for travellers.

“The new terminal provides an opportunity for us to continue our growth because it gives us the space that we need to better connect our region to the world,” she said.

“This is a game-changer for the Gold Coast Airport and gives us a strong foundation for the future.

“We have welcomed several million tourists to our shores over the past decade. In that time, the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales regions have enjoyed massive growth, developed thriving dining scenes and become impressive hubs for both arts and culture. It has become increasingly important that the Gold Coast Airport grows alongside it.

“We needed to transform and align to the destinations we support.

“We are extremely confident in the strength of the Gold Coast and the northern New South Wales tourism destinations.”

The new terminal design reflects the nearby natural environment on both sides of the Queensland and New South Wales border with hinterland greens and bronze to the building’s west and bright coastal blues and mint greens to the east.

Other new features include timber decking and open-glazed facades in the forecourt and plaza area to help create a relaxed Gold Coast vibe as well as a spotted gum-style feature wall mirroring the nearby hinterland mountain range.