Gold Coast Airport, based in Queensland, Australia, has opened its new $260 million terminal for commercial use, although the phased expansion to continue towards next month. The terminal will be open for international passengers from October 13, 2022. The expanded terminal is almost double the original building capacity with six new gates and 19 widebody aircraft. After three years of construction, the three-level terminal has been a much-anticipated addition to the city for both locals and tourists. The 30,000 square-meter expanded terminal can now cater to increased passenger traffic.
Gold Coast Airport chief executive Amelia Evans said: “The new terminal would provide the space the airport needs to grow. We have welcomed several million tourists to our shores over the past decade. In that time, the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales regions have enjoyed massive growth, developed thriving dining scenes, and become impressive hubs for both arts and culture.”
The terminal project is a part of $500 million Gold Coast Airport project that also includes $86 million in airside works and other associated infrastructure.
Queensland Airports COO Marion Charlton said: “This is a game changer for the Gold Coast. Not just for the airport, but for the Gold Coast as a city. We are the first and last impression that our visitors have when they enter and leave our gorgeous city and now, we have an airport that reflects that beautiful destination itself.”
The expanded terminal includes four glass aerobridges, additional retail spaces, and new boarding facilities, and spectacular views.
The Gold Coast airport currently has international flights from Scoot, Jetstar, and Air New Zealand with additional flights from Singapore and Japan to commence from October 2023 followed by Virgin Australia starting its inaugural Bali flights from March 2023.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s latest report showed that Australia’s domestic airline industry carried 4.7 million passengers in July 2022, marking a new high since the pandemic first impacted the industry in early 2020
The latest forecast shows that passenger traffic is expected to grow from 6.5 million pre-COVID-19 to more than 10 million with the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The population of Gold Coast is also expected to double and hit the 1.2 million mark by 2050.