7 October 2025: Sunshine Coast Airport has appointed construction company McNab as the builder of its highly anticipated domestic Terminal Redevelopment Project. Global architects firm Populous | Fentress Studios are designing the terminal marking a major milestone in the expansion and growth of one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports.
The redevelopment will deliver a modern, sustainable and passenger-focused expansion designed to meet future demand, improve efficiency, and enhance the travel experience for locals and visitors alike.
Reimagining the journey from drop-off to take-off, the project will almost double the size of the entire terminal, increase departure gates from five to seven, and triple the departure lounge footprint.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the appointment of McNab and Populous | Fentress Studios reflected the airport’s commitment to working with respected partners to deliver world-class outcomes for the region. Planned Performance are the Project Managers and their proven expertise in Australian airport terminal expansions has been vital in guiding this project.
“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,” Mr Mills said.
Mr Mills said the redevelopment will support local jobs, provide a significant boost to the economy, and strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s role as a key tourism and business gateway.
“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. From the look and feel of the terminal to how we welcome and serve travellers, locals helped shape more than just a space; they helped shape a better journey for everyone.”
“The redevelopment will also incorporate expanded retail and food offerings, latest technology for check-in and security, as well as sustainable design features building on existing initiatives,” said Mr. Mills.
Sunshine Coast Airport Chair David Ryan said he was thrilled to see the project officially underway and pleased to have appointed a builder with such a strong reputation.
“McNab’s proven track record of delivering high-quality projects in our region gives us great confidence,” Mr Ryan said.
McNab CEO Kunjan Ganatra said the company was proud to bring its expertise to such a transformational project for the region.
“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.”
“We will see around 2,000 people working on this project, with 90 per cent of trades and subcontractors coming from within our region. Together we will deliver a terminal our community can be proud of – one that combines smart design, sustainability and a strong sense of place.”
“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a space that will act as an entry statement to the Sunshine Coast and serve generations of locals and visitors, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” Mr Ganatra said.
Populous | Fentress Studios Asia Pacific Head of Aviation Matt Findlay said the terminal design would reflect the unique character of the Sunshine Coast while delivering a seamless passenger experience.
“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.
“The design prioritises natural light with sweeping views of the runway, allowing passengers to experience the excitement of aircraft arrivals and departures from the comfort of the terminal.
“By seamlessly integrating security and check-in, enhancing the arrival experience, and reducing the distance between check-in and boarding gates, we’re reimagining the terminal journey to be more intuitive, efficient, and welcoming for every passenger.
Sustainability and accessibility remain at the heart of every design decision, alongside greater passenger seating and amenities,” Mr Findlay said.
The Terminal Redevelopment Project will be delivered in stages to minimise disruption to passengers and ensure continuity of operations. The first stage is already underway, with the new outbound checked baggage handling facility scheduled for completion in early 2026, and the full domestic terminal expansion to be completed by 2027. By 2030, Sunshine Coast Airport is forecast to welcome 2.4 million passengers annually.
Fast Facts – Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Redevelopment
- Terminal footprint will almost double, growing from 6,100m² to 11,750m².
- Domestic departure lounge will increase threefold, from 1,250m² to 3,750m².
- Departure gates will increase from 5 to 7 – a 40% boost in capacity.
- Check-in new technology: 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automatic bag drops.
- Sustainability features: mass timber, rainwater harvesting, expanded solar panels, energy-efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), climate-sensitive design.
- Community-driven design: passenger and local input shaped terminal aesthetics, amenities, and customer journey.
- Construction timeline: First stage underway, outbound baggage facility scheduled for completion in 2026, with full terminal expansion to be completed in 2027.
- SCA is experiencing significant growth expecting to welcome more than 1.8M passengers in FY26 and 2.4M by 2030.
- SCA has more capacity on core markets of Sydney and Melbourne than any time in the airport’s history.
- Sydney and Melbourne markets account for 88% of all airline seats to/from Sunshine Coast Airport.
- Project partners: McNab (construction), Populous | Fentress Studios (design), Planned Performance (project management).
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and one of Australia’s fastest growing airports. SCA directly connects the Sunshine Coast community to five domestic and international destinations (Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney) and is supported by five airlines (Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia). With more than 80 flights per week to Sydney and Melbourne, and convenient connections to Adelaide, Auckland and Cairns, SCA is the natural choice.
In July 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport was declared a Priority Development Area (PDA), with a new Development Scheme taking effect on Friday 27 September 2024. The Development Scheme will unlock opportunities that attract investment, drive economic growth and create jobs on and off airport. By 2040, it is estimated the airport will directly contribute $460m in total to Australia’s GDP. Jobs on airport are forecast to grow to 2,400 by 2040 and support a total of 3438 jobs (direct and indirect).
Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd operates and manages Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, under a 99-year lease from Sunshine Coast Council which commenced in December 2017.
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