Sydney Airport's new Master Plan approved for integrated terminal by 2045
The Australian government has approved Sydney Airport's Master Plan 2045, clearing the way for a major redevelopment of the airport's domestic precinct that will merge domestic, regional, and international services into a single integrated terminal experience. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King approved the plan on Friday, August 14, 2026, giving Sydney Airport a framework to invest in the terminal capacity, transport connections, and passenger facilities needed to support the airport's growth over the next two decades. A single terminal experience takes shape The centerpiece of the plan is the proposed overhaul of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport's (SYD) domestic precinct. #image_title Rather than keeping domestic, regional, and international operations separated as they currently are, the redevelopment would bring all three together under one integrated terminal, a shift designed to streamline the passenger experience as traffic grows. Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the approval gives the airport a clear pathway to plan for future demand and invest in the infrastructure the city will need in the coming decades. He said the plan is also built to support sustainable and responsible growth, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact and working closely with surrounding communities. Growth by the numbers #image_title The Master Plan forecasts that Sydney Airport will handle more than 72 million passengers annually by 2045, split between 36.4 million international travelers and 36.2 million domestic and regional passengers. Alongside that passenger growth, the airport's annual economic contribution is projected to rise to around $70 billion, while direct employment at the airport is expected to grow to more than 105,000 jobs. Environmental strategy built into the plan The Master Plan also folds in Sydney Airport's five-year Airport Environment Strategy, which lays out steps to reduce emissions, build climate resilience, and support more sustainable operations as the airport expands. Charlton thanked the Australian government and Minister King for endorsing the plan, and acknowledged the role of partners, government agencies, and the surrounding community throughout the planning process, adding that the airport looks forward to continued collaboration as the vision moves toward implementation. RELATED Australians support domestic SAF industry, Sydney Airport study shows