Sunshine Coast Airport has appointed construction company McNab to deliver its highly anticipated Domestic Terminal Redevelopment Project, marking a major milestone in the airport’s continuing expansion.
Global architecture firm Populous | Fentress Studios will design the new facility, shaping a modern, sustainable and passenger-focused terminal to meet future demand and enhance the travel experience for locals and visitors alike.
Reimagining the passenger journey “from drop-off to take-off”, the redevelopment will almost double the terminal’s size, expand departure gates from five to seven, and triple the departure lounge area.
Planned Performance will serve as project managers, bringing specialist expertise in major Australian airport terminal expansions.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the appointment of McNab and Populous | Fentress Studios highlighted the airport’s commitment to delivering world-class outcomes for the region.
“The Terminal Redevelopment Project is a major milestone in the airport’s expansion with approximately $170 million being invested to support the future of our airport and our region,” Mills said.
Mills said the upgrades would deliver strong economic and community benefits.
“Importantly, this project has been shaped by community input, so the terminal reflects local needs and expectations with their insights directly influencing key design features, amenities, and the overall experience.
Mills said the redevelopment has been shaped by community input, with locals influencing everything from the terminal’s design and atmosphere to the way travellers are welcomed and served, helping create a better experience for everyone.
He added that the expansion will also feature upgraded retail and dining options, advanced check-in and security technology, and sustainable design elements that build on the airport’s existing initiatives.
Sunshine Coast Airport Chair David Ryan said the project’s commencement reaffirmed the airport’s role as a key gateway for tourism and business.
“McNab’s proven track record of delivering high-quality projects in our region gives us great confidence,” Ryan said.
McNab CEO Kunjan Ganatra said the company was proud to contribute to such a transformational project.
“McNab has been contributing landmark projects to help shape the Sunshine Coast landscape since we opened our Maroochydore office in 2017, and this project is another step in building the region’s future.”
Ganatra said the project will employ around 2,000 people, with 90 per cent of trades and subcontractors sourced locally.
He said the goal is to create a terminal the community can take pride in, blending intelligent design, sustainability and a strong connection to place.
More than just a construction project, Ganatra described it as building a gateway that will welcome and serve generations of residents and visitors, and one the company is proud to help deliver.
Populous | Fentress Studios Asia Pacific Head of Aviation Matt Findlay said the terminal’s design would capture the character and natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.
“Our vision for the terminal is to create a space that celebrates the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty and lifestyle while providing travellers with a modern, efficient and welcoming gateway.”
Findlay said the terminal’s design focuses on maximising natural light and providing expansive runway views, giving passengers the chance to take in aircraft movements from within the terminal.
He said the layout integrates check-in and security processes, improves arrivals, and shortens travel distances between key areas to create a more seamless, efficient and welcoming journey.
Sustainability and accessibility, along with additional seating and upgraded amenities, remain central to every aspect of the design, Findlay added.
The Terminal Redevelopment Project will be delivered in stages to minimise passenger disruption and maintain operations.
The first stage, currently underway, includes a new outbound checked baggage handling facility due for completion in early 2026.
The full domestic terminal expansion is scheduled for completion by 2027, with Sunshine Coast Airport forecast to welcome 2.4 million passengers annually by 2030.
