TERMINAL OPENINGS BRISBANE AIRPORT, AUSTRALIA Domestic Terminal upgrade The security upgrade project at Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2025. To make way for all the construction work, the airport opened its new temporary security screening points and check-in and bag drop locations in October 2024. It also set up a testing laboratory for the new equipment, to train staff before the project is completed at the end of 2025. According to BNE, it is the only testing lab of its type in Australia. “We want to make the passenger flow as seamless and intuitive as possible throughout the transformation project,” says the airport’s CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff. “The domestic terminal project is a challenging one. We have very old infrastructure to deal with. It was built in 1988 for seven million passengers. Today, we see about 90 million travelers come through the terminal, so we’re quite spatially constrained.” For this reason, construction is also underway on a new multistory parking garage adjacent to the Domestic Terminal to provide 1,700 additional spaces to meet growing demand. Driven by the need to meet the Australian government’s updated security screening equipment standards by the end of 2025, the project will construct a mezzanine level in the center of the terminal to house new next-generation CT security screening equipment. This technology will enable passengers to keep electronics in their bags and will improve the accuracy of screening. The final product will also feature self check-in and automated bag drop. Passengers with carry-on luggage only will have direct entry into the new mezzanine level from the Skywalk, and a simpler screening process. “While the most significant change to the Domestic Terminal will be the new mezzanine level and new central security checkpoint, the interior of our domestic terminal will also change completely,” continues de Graaff. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase Queensland, so a lot of Spherical Insights our interiors have been inspired by local landscapes. We’ve opted for things like a custom carpet that has the texture and look of sand. We’ve also sourced local hardwood timbers like spotted gum, and locally recycled materials for bench tops and table tops.” Future facing This Domestic Terminal project will form part of Brisbane Airport’s A$5bn (US$3.4bn) Future BNE program over the coming decade. The program also includes upgrades to the International Terminal, construction of Terminal 3, and extensive commercial, retail and industrial projects across the precinct. Like the Domestic Terminal, the International Terminal’s security screening and passport control area will relocate from the windowless center of the building on Level 3 to the light-filled atrium on Level 4. Construction should conclude in 2027. The same technology is being installed in the Domestic Terminal and is part of the single largest airport deployment of Rapiscan Systems equipment in Australia and Southeast Asia and one of the largest globally. It includes 33 Rapiscan 920CT cabin baggage screening units; 10 Rapiscan RTT110 checked baggage and oversize screening units; and 41 Rapiscan 4DX explosive trace detection units. The project will also deploy 33 Rohde & Schwarz Quick Personnel Security body scanners. “In addition to aeronautical investments, we have about 500ha of land available for commercial development,” adds de Graaff. “We are focusing on developing our industrial precincts, particularly for logistics businesses. With a growing population and increasing demand for imports and exports, air freight is becoming more important, and we have land available for these developments. Brisbane Airport’s duty-free area is set to nearly double in size. As part of a renewed 10-year partnership with Lotte Duty Free, the expansion project will focus on local brands as well as sustainability. Other sustainability features of the project include electric charging stations for ground support equipment (GSE), such as pushback tugs, belt loaders, cargo loaders and baggage tugs used to service aircraft at the terminal. De Graaff explains, “During the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, Brisbane Airport will play a highly important role as both the first hello and last goodbye for those attending and participating in the international games. We know from the International Olympic Committee’s point of view, they want 2032 to be a climate-positive event. However, to be very honest with you, the sustainability decisions we are taking today are about delivering changes now and for decades into the future, well beyond the games. These are decisions that we would be taking regardless to protect Australia’s breathtaking biodiversity, including one of the seven wonders of the natural world, The Great Barrier Reef.” The airport construction market is set to grow to US$1,855bn by 2033 Future BNE comprises more than 150 projects Future BNE will create a BHS around the Domestic Terminal’s central satellite walkway ABOVE RIGHT BELOW The interior of our domestic terminal will also change completely Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport www.PassengerTerminalToday.com SHOWCASE 2025 Passenger Terminal World 13
Passenger Terminal World Passenger Terminal World Annual Showcase 2025: Page 13
