Sunshine Coast Airport has unveiled a $170 million terminal upgrade that will double the terminal footprint, increase the number of gates from five to seven and treble the size of its domestic departure lounge, with mass timber to be used extensively in the terminal building. It comes as local builder McNab was appointed principal contractor yesterday, with global architects Populous | Fentress Studios to design the terminal.
The redevelopment is designed to cater to increasing passenger numbers and enhance the Sunshine Coast’s position as a key gateway for tourism and business. Under new plans, the terminal footprint will expand from 6,100 sqm to 11,750 sqm, the domestic departure lounge will grow from 1,250 sqm to 3,750 sqm, and gate capacity will rise by about 40 per cent with the addition of two gates. The upgrade will introduce 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automatic bag drops, and includes sustainability measures such as mass timber construction, rainwater harvesting, expanded solar arrays and more efficient HVAC systems.
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Chris Mills said the investment is central to the airport’s future. “The Terminal Redevelopment Project is a major milestone in the airport’s expansion with approximately $170 million being invested to support the future of our airport and our region,” he said. Mills said the scheme will support local jobs and boost the regional economy, and added the redevelopment has been shaped by community feedback.
“So the terminal reflects local needs and expectations with their insights directly influencing key design features, amenities, and the overall experience,” he said. He said the works will enhance the passenger experience through new retail and food offerings, as well as upgraded technology. “From the look and feel of the terminal to how we welcome and serve travellers, locals helped shape more than just a space; they helped shape a better journey for everyone,” Mills said.
Sunshine Coast Airport chair David Ryan welcomed McNab’s appointment and pointed to the contractor’s regional record. “McNab’s proven track record of delivering high-quality projects in our region gives us great confidence,” he said. Whilst Kunjan Ganatra, McNab CEO, said the works are transformational for the region: “McNab has been contributing landmark projects to help shape the Sunshine Coast landscape since we opened our Maroochydore office in 2017, and this project is another step in building the region’s future,” he said. “We will see around 2000 people working on this project, with 90 per cent of trades and subcontractors coming from within our region.”
Populous | Fentress Studios’ Asia Pacific head of aviation, Matt Findlay, said the design will celebrate the region while improving passenger flow and accessibility. “Our vision for the terminal is to create a space that celebrates the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty and lifestyle while providing travellers with a modern, efficient and welcoming gateway,” he said. “The design prioritises natural light with sweeping views of the runway, allowing passengers to experience the excitement of aircraft arrivals and departures from the comfort of the terminal,” Findlay said.
He said the scheme reduces internal distances and streamlines movement. “By seamlessly integrating security and check-in, enhancing the arrival experience, and reducing the distance between check-in and boarding gates, we’re reimagining the terminal journey to be more intuitive, efficient, and welcoming for every passenger. Sustainability and accessibility remain at the heart of every design decision, alongside greater passenger seating and amenities,” Findlay said.
Wood Central understands that construction will be staged to minimise disruption and keep the airport operational. Stage one is already underway, with a new outbound checked baggage facility scheduled for completion in early 2026, and the full domestic terminal expansion set for 2027. Forecasts indicate the airport could handle about 2.4 million passengers annually by 2030, with intermediate growth expected to push numbers past 1.8 million in the near term.
The Sunshine Coast redevelopment aligns with a broader industry shift toward mass timber over traditional steel-and-concrete tilt-up construction in airport construction, driven by sustainability targets and the efficiencies of off-site prefabrication. In August, Wood Central reported that Auckland Airport’s $2.2 billion redevelopment is using cross-laminated timber in subfloor works and an “innovative” rail system to streamline construction while keeping terminals operational.
Sunshine Coast Airport operates under a 99-year lease from the Sunshine Coast Council, which began in 2017 and was declared a Priority Development Area in 2023. The airport connects the region to domestic and international centres, including Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Melbourne, and Sydney. It is served by carriers such as Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia, with more than 80 flights per week to Sydney and Melbourne. Long-range planning projects the site could contribute substantially to GDP and support more than 2,000 jobs by 2040, making the redevelopment a strategic investment in the region’s transport and economic future.
