Sydney Airport has released its preliminary draft Master Plan 2045, outlining how it expects to handle more than 72 million passengers annually by 2045 and support over 105,000 direct jobs.
The plan is open for public feedback, with community members, government agencies, airlines and airport partners invited to have their say.
Passenger numbers are forecast to rise 75 percent from current levels. International travellers are expected to make up just over half of total passenger numbers by 2045, with 36.4 million people flying internationally and 36.2 million travelling on domestic or regional routes each year.
Airfreight is also tipped to grow, with volumes expected to more than double to 1.4 million tonnes annually.
The airport says its contribution to jobs will increase significantly, creating around 1,500 new direct jobs every year in the local area. When including roles supported through freight, trade and tourism, total employment connected to the airport could reach 560,000 by 2045.
Biggest terminal expansion since the Olympics
A centrepiece of the plan is a major project linking the T2 and T3 domestic terminals to create a single precinct for regional, domestic and international services.
The development would deliver up to 12 new international gates, plus two extra gates at the T1 International Terminal, boosting capacity for both international and domestic flights and aiming to make connections smoother for travellers.
Focus on sustainability and community impact
The Master Plan also includes a five-year Airport Environment Strategy, which sets out steps to cut emissions, build climate resilience and improve sustainability across operations.
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.”
The draft plan is now available for public review and feedback.
