The first phase of Sunshine Coast Airport’s ambitious $170 million transformation has been completed with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art outbound baggage facility. This development marks a significant milestone in the airport’s expansion, designed to enhance its capacity for handling increased passenger numbers and meeting stringent security standards.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills emphasized the importance of this upgrade for the airport’s future. “Investing in critical infrastructure like this means we can grow, meet the needs of our airline partners, and continue to support national and international connectivity,” Mills stated. “This new facility is the first major step in our commitment to provide the best service and experience for travellers.”
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
According to Kate McCreery-Carr, the General Manager of Operations at Sunshine Coast Airport, the new system represents a major upgrade to the airport’s operational infrastructure. “The new facility includes more than 300 metres of new conveyor systems, including two large make-up loops to support increased baggage capacity, doubling what was originally here at the airport,” she explained.
This upgrade is expected to streamline the baggage handling process from check-in to aircraft, a crucial improvement as the airport anticipates a surge in passenger numbers. The airport has also upgraded its scanning equipment to comply with federal government regulations, allowing for more advanced inspection of baggage and reducing manual intervention.
Construction and Collaboration
McNab General Manager Key Accounts Mark Jewell highlighted the smooth execution of the project from its design stage. “Construction began in May 2025 and was completed over a seven-month period with more than 500 jobs already committed during the first stage,” Jewell noted. The project was delivered through meticulous planning and collaboration with stakeholders, including Energex, Rapiscan, and Ansir.
“Completing the facility within a seven-month time frame reflects the strong collaboration and commitment of everyone involved,”
he added.
Regional Impact and Future Developments
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the new facility, underscoring its importance for regional development. “A strong, efficient airport improves connectivity, which is essential for regional development,” she said. “It makes the Sunshine Coast more accessible, supports local businesses, and enhances our profile nationally and internationally.”
Construction is already underway for the next phase of the terminal expansion, which includes a new check-in and arrivals hall slated to open later this year. This expansion will nearly double the terminal’s footprint from 6,100 square meters to 11,750 square meters. The domestic departure lounge will triple in size, and the number of departure gates will increase from five to seven.
Looking Ahead
Sunshine Coast Airport is projected to welcome over 1.8 million passengers in the 2026 financial year, with expectations to reach 2.4 million passengers annually by 2030. The upgrade will introduce new check-in technology, including 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automatic bag drops, alongside sustainability features aimed at minimizing environmental impact.
The upgrade will see the terminal footprint almost double, growing from 6,100 sqm to 11,750 sqm, while the domestic departure lounge will increase threefold, the departure gates will increase from 5 to 7, and new check-in technology will include 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automatic bag drops.
The completion of this first phase is a promising step towards a more efficient and passenger-friendly airport, setting the stage for Sunshine Coast Airport to become a key player in regional and international travel.
