The federal government has approved Sydney Airport’s Master Plan 2045, setting out a 20-year growth strategy that forecasts total passenger movements reaching 72.6 million a year, alongside terminal expansions and increased freight capacity.
Terminal expansion targets rising passenger demand
The approved plan includes expansion of the international T1 terminal and redevelopment of the domestic T2 and T3 terminals, aimed at accommodating growth at Australia’s busiest airport. Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) forecasts international passenger movements rising 123 per cent and domestic and regional movements rising 44 per cent above 2024 figures by 2045.
For airlines, TMCs and corporate travel buyers, expanded terminal capacity signals increased future capacity for both international and domestic scheduling out of Sydney, though the initial five-year works detailed in the plan will need to be delivered before broader capacity gains are realised.
The plan also expands freight handling facilities, with SACL estimating air freight volumes rising from 600,000 tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 million tonnes by 2045. Up to 80 per cent of future freight is expected to move in the holds of passenger aircraft, making faster freight retrieval processes a focus of the upgrade.
Approval includes noise and traffic conditions
While Sydney Airport’s projected noise footprint in 2045 is forecast to be lower than current levels, SACL has been asked to adapt noise abatement procedures to limit impacts on surrounding communities as activity increases, and to continue reporting to the Sydney Airport Community Forum and the federal government.
SACL will also work with Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils on road network impacts, with construction works required to minimise disruption to existing road, rail and airport operations throughout the build-out.
Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said the update was necessary to keep the airport functioning efficiently as demand grows. Sydney Airport chief executive Scott Charlton said the plan gives the airport a framework to invest in infrastructure over the next two decades while managing environmental and community impacts.
