The Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 has been approved by the Australian Government, establishing a long-term framework for the expansion and development of Australia’s busiest airport over the next two decades.
Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King approved the plan and supports Sydney Airport’s plans to accommodate future passenger demand while strengthening Australia’s international connectivity and economic links.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the approval provides the airport with a clear pathway to plan for future demand and invest in infrastructure required as Sydney continues to grow.
Sydney Airport CEO Statement
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “As Sydney grows, Sydney Airport must grow with it. Approval of Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 provides a clear pathway to plan for future demand and invest in the infrastructure Sydney will need over the next two decades.
“As Australia’s international gateway, this plan ensures we can continue supporting tourism, trade, investment and jobs while delivering the capacity needed for future generations. Importantly, it provides a framework for growing sustainably and responsibly, minimising environmental impacts and working closely with the communities surrounding the airport.
“I’d like to thank the Australian Government and Minister King for their support and endorsement of the Master Plan.
“I also want to acknowledge the valuable contributions of our partners, government agencies, and the community throughout the planning process, and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver this vision for Sydney Airport’s future.”
Handling 72 million Passengers by 2045
A key forecast in the Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 is passenger growth to more than 72 million passengers annually by 2045.
The forecast includes:
- 36.4 million international passengers
- 36.2 million domestic and regional passengers
- More than 72 million total annual passengers
The figures underline the scale of infrastructure required at Sydney Airport as passenger demand increases over the next 20 years. Moreover, the airport’s annual economic contribution is also forecast to reach approximately $70 billion by 2045.
Direct employment at Sydney Airport is expected to rise to more than 105,000 jobs, further increasing the airport’s role in the New South Wales economy.
$70 billion economic contribution and 105,000 jobs
The Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 links airport expansion with broader economic activity, including tourism, international trade, investment and employment.
Charlton said Sydney Airport’s role as Australia’s international gateway means the airport will need to provide additional capacity to support future generations.
The plan provides a framework for investment in terminal capacity, transport connections and passenger facilities as demand increases. This will hugely support the growth of all the airlines primarily Qantas (QF) and other Australian airlines.
Sydney Airport said the development framework will also support continued cooperation with government agencies, industry partners and communities surrounding the airport.
Domestic Precinct Redevelopment at Sydney Airport
One of the central components of the Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 is the proposed redevelopment of the airport’s domestic precinct.
The plan includes bringing domestic, regional and international services together through a new integrated terminal experience.
The proposed redevelopment intends to improve how passengers move through the airport while providing additional capacity for future growth.
Further investment in passenger facilities and transport connections will also form part of the airport’s long-term development under the Master Plan.
Environmental Strategy
The Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 also incorporates Sydney Airport’s five-year Airport Environment Strategy.
The strategy sets out measures aimed at reducing emissions, improving climate resilience and supporting more sustainable airport operations.
The environmental program will also operate alongside the airport’s infrastructure and capacity planning as Sydney Airport prepares for higher passenger volumes through 2045.
Charlton also acknowledged the Australian Government, Minister King, government agencies, industry partners and the community for their contributions to the planning process.
The approval of the Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 now provides the airport with a long-term framework for planning and investment as passenger numbers, employment and economic activity are forecast to increase substantially over the next two decades.
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