Sydney Airport has released its draft Master Plan 2045, outlining what it says is the “biggest redevelopment since the Olympics”. The ambitious plan includes a new super terminal, expanded freight capacity, more than 30 million extra passengers a year, and a net zero pledge.
Key Details
- Passenger growth: Sydney Airport says it will handle 72.6 million travellers a year by 2045, up from 41.4 million in 2024.
- Super terminal: T2 and T3 will be merged into one integrated precinct, handling domestic, regional and international flights under one roof.
- More gates: Plans include up to 12 new international gates and extra domestic gates to ease pressure on the system.
- T1 expansion: The international terminal is set for more aircraft stands, bigger baggage systems and reworked aprons.
- Freight boom: Airfreight volumes are forecast to more than double to 1.4 million tonnes a year.
- Economic impact: The airport says its total contribution will climb from $45.3 billion in 2024 to $70.6 billion in 2045.
- Jobs growth: Direct airport jobs are projected to rise to 44,500, with more than half a million jobs tied to the airport overall.
- Noise forecast: Draft noise maps show exposure zones widening, though the airport says more flights will be pushed over Botany Bay.
- Net zero target: Management has pledged net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, while aiming for airlines to use 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel by 2050.
- Transport upgrades: The plan calls for scrapping the train station access fee, adding kerbside and rideshare capacity, and upgrading bike and walking links.
Key Background
It’s hard to picture what an extra 30 million passengers a year actually looks like. By 2045, Sydney Airport says it will be processing 72.6 million travellers annually – the equivalent of adding the entire population of Australia through its terminals every twelve months. Nightmare-fuel if you already hate airports.
At the centre of that growth is the plan to merge T2 and T3 into a single “super terminal,” billed as the biggest redevelopment since the Sydney Olympics. The upgrade will add up to 12 new international gates, expand domestic capacity and overhaul baggage and security systems to handle the surge.
International travellers will more than double, climbing from 16.3 million to 36.4 million and making up just over half of all traffic. Domestic and regional passengers are tipped to rise from 25.1 million to 36.2 million.
More passengers mean more planes. As per the report, aircraft movements would rise from 301,000 to 385,000 a year – almost 1,000 flights a day. Freight volumes would more than double from 0.6 million tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes, consolidating Sydney’s role as the nation’s main cargo hub.
The economic contribution is also forecast to grow from $45.3 billion to $70.6 billion by 2045. Direct airport jobs are expected to reach 44,500, while total jobs tied to the airport – including freight, trade and tourism – will hit 559,000. That equates to about 1,500 new roles every year, many in nearby communities.
The airport has committed to net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, backed by a switch to renewable electricity in 2025 and electrification of ground vehicles. But Scope 3 emissions from flights remain the sticking point. These make up 99 per cent of Sydney Airport’s footprint. The plan banks on sustainable aviation fuel, with a target for half of all jet fuel to be SAF by 2050, dependent on government policy and supply.
Noise remains a major concern for residents. New noise exposure maps show the areas most affected as traffic increases. Sydney Airport says it will continue to direct flights over Botany Bay where possible, but with nearly 100,000 extra flights a year, noise will inevitably rise.
Getting to the airport is also under review. The plan calls for more kerbside space for cars and rideshares, expanded parking, and new technology to manage congestion. Sydney Airport is lobbying for the removal of the station access fee on the train line and more frequent bus and rail services. Cycling and walking links are also set for upgrades.
Big Number
72.6 million – The forecast annual passenger load for Sydney Airport by 2045, a 75 per cent increase on today.
Crucial Quote
“By 2045, we expect to welcome more than 72 million passengers annually, representing 79% of the total forecast for major airports in Sydney. Meeting this growing demand, while continuing to provide a world-class experience, is no small task. That’s why we’ve set ambitious goals across our operations, with a focus on safety, accessibility, customer service, and environmental performance. These efforts are expected to contribute an estimated $70.6 billion annually to the economy by 2045,” CEO Scott Charlton said.
The Design
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