The Master Plan 2045 for Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport has been approved, recognising the airport’s ongoing role as a critical domestic and international gateway to Australia’s largest city.
The plan outlines Sydney Airport’s 20-year strategic vision and details key developments over an initial five-year period.
The expansion of the international T1 terminal and redevelopment of the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, which will allow Australia’s busiest airport to cater for increasing demand, are included in the plan.
Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) forecasts significant expansion in Sydney Airport’s operations to 2045, with total passenger movements forecast to reach 72.6 million per year.
This represents increases in international passenger movements of 123 per cent and domestic and regional passenger movements of 44 per cent above 2024 figures.
The plan also proposes expanding freight handling facilities at the airport to accommodate an increase in air freight, which SACL estimates will rise from 600,000 tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 million tonnes in 2045.
There will be a particular focus on the timely retrieval of freight in the holds of passenger planes, expected to carry as much 80% of future freight volumes.
These upgrades will ensure crucial connectivity to airports across Australia while supporting tourism and economic prosperity for decades to come.
While the airport’s projected noise footprint in 2045 is lower than current levels, SACL has been asked to adapt existing noise abatement procedures to minimise any additional impact on local communities as activity grows.
Additionally, SACL will continue to work collaboratively with the Sydney Airport Community Forum, and report findings directly and regularly to the Government.
SACL has also been asked to work closely with Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils on any impacts to the local road network, ensuring that airport growth is catered for in surrounding infrastructure.
Importantly, future on-airport construction works will also keep interruptions to existing road, rail and airport operations to a minimum.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said: “Kingsford Smith is Australia’s busiest airport, it must remain fit for the future.
“Airports aren’t artworks, they’re constantly evolving to become more efficient and improve the passenger experience, and this new Master Plan maps out the airport’s plan to do just that.
“As demand grows, a modern Kingsford Smith will remain crucial to transport, tourism and industry across NSW and the nation.”
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."
The Master Plan also incorporates Sydney Airport's five-year Airport Environment Strategy, which outlines actions to reduce emissions, build climate resilience and support more sustainable airport operations.
