Gold Coast Airport has revealed ambitious plans for its future development, including a retail village, health and wellness hub, and conference and tech centre, as outlined in its 2024 Preliminary Draft Master Plan.
This plan lays out the airport’s vision and growth objectives for the next 20 years, with a specific focus on the initial eight years leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As Queensland’s largest airport owned by Queensland Airports Limited, Gold Coast Airport currently serves over 6.2 million passengers annually, contributing $514 million to the local economy.
The airport expects this number to increase to around 13 million passengers by 2044, generating more than $965 million in economic contribution.
The airport aims to transform into a destination in its own right, serving the communities of the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans emphasised the plan’s focus on innovation and new technologies to revolutionise air travel and enhance the customer experience.
The proposed upgrades include a public front-of-terminal plaza connecting the airport precinct to the city’s light and heavy rail networks.
Additionally, the plan incorporates smart aviation technologies such as biometric check-in and a fully digital passenger experience to personalise travel suggestions based on individual history.
Gold Coast Airport is also committed to sustainability, aiming to achieve Net Zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
Initiatives include installing solar panels, promoting the use of electric vehicles on the precinct, and preparing for the transition to lower carbon aviation practices like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Per the Airports Act 1996, Gold Coast Airport is required to prepare and publish an Airport Master Plan every eight years, including the Environment Strategy.
The 2024 Draft Master Plan is open for public consultation and community feedback until June 14, 2024, and can be downloaded from the airport’s website: www.goldcoastairport.com.au/masterplan.
