AUSTRALIA. Sydney Airport has unveiled the design vision for the much-anticipated overhaul of the T2 Domestic terminal, the first major redevelopment in more than 30 years at Australia’s busiest domestic terminal.
The A$200 million (US$130.25 million) investment targets a more efficient travel experience for the 17 million passengers that use T2 every year, with a focus on next-generation technology, modern facilities and greater operational efficiency.
On completion, it is anticipated that 95% of passengers will travel from kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes.
The new layout will introduce more self-service kiosks and new bag-drop technology. With the airport currently processing 1,500 bags per hour at peak times, this upgrade is expected to boost capacity to 1,800 bags per hour by 2026.
In line with the Australian government’s security mandate to install ‘standard three’ security equipment by the end of 2025, the terminal will feature next-generation security technology and state-of-the-art scanners across seven processing lanes.
These systems will allow passengers to leave items such as laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage, with each lane able to process 500 passengers per hour, a +113% increase compared to the current average throughput of 235 passengers per hour.
The security design will feature dedicated lanes for family and assistance, and two post-security lifts will provide a more seamless experience for passengers to access the food court and gate lounges.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “We are excited to announce our design vision for the T2 Domestic terminal. We believe these changes will make the T2 experience one of the fastest and most efficient in Australia which is a great outcome for passengers and our airline partners.
“These upgrades will not only transform security performance but will also support future demand, ensuring that Australia’s busiest airport terminal can accommodate the significant growth in passenger numbers we’re forecasting.”
Charlton said the upgrades build on a series of improvements made over the past 12 months at T2. They include the opening of the first Australian domestic airport department store in December 2023 and new food & beverage and retail offerings.
“While we understand that the upgrade works may cause temporary disruption, we want to thank passengers and our airline partners for their patience and understanding during this important transformation. We’re working hard to minimise any inconvenience and ensure the terminal remains operational throughout the process,” he added.
Sydney Airport’s commitment to innovation also extends to the T1 International terminal, where a major upgrade to security screening is set for completion by late 2025. A reorientation of the Departures security layout, moving security screening ahead of passport control, aims to make the process quicker and more efficient. The redesign will also create more than 300sq m of retail space.
As reported, Sydney Airport is set to introduce a quartet of food & beverage brands in T1 in partnership with Emirates Leisure Retail.
Sydney Airport is also working closely with Australian Border Force to improve inbound border processing. According to the airport, this collaboration reflects a concerted effort between industry and government to streamline the passenger experience and enhance operational efficiency.
Sydney Airport welcomes 120,000 passengers daily and is spending nearly A$2 million (US$1.3 million) a day as part of its ongoing investment in infrastructure, technology and facilities to “deliver a world-class service that meet the evolving needs of passengers and ensure Australia’s busiest airport remains a global leader in aviation”. ✈️
