Gold Coast Airport receives expansion approval

Image: Gold Coast Airport (artist impression).

The Australian Government has approved a major expansion project at Gold Coast Airport designed to aid current and predicted growth.

Image: Gold Coast Airport (artist impression).

The $200 million investment programme will increase the size of the terminal building at the southern portion of the airport. Plans focus on providing better services while creating jobs and other economic opportunities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Gold Coast Airport expansion will cater for future growth and the increased passenger numbers expected during the upcoming 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Gold Coast Airport expected to receive 16.3 million passengers by 2031

“Gold Coast Airport currently services around 6 million passengers per year, which is forecast to grow to 16.3 million passengers in 2031,” Mr Truss said.

“In the immediate future, more than 117,000 visitors, 5,000 athletes, 2,000 officials and 2,700 media representatives are expected to travel to the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with most arriving through the airport.

“The major redevelopment of the airport will almost double the size of the terminal, expand the apron to accommodate five additional aircraft stands and incorporate four new aerobridges—a facility long awaited by travellers.

“The expansion will also include a consolidated ground transport facility incorporating: a relocated taxi staging area; covered boarding for coaches, mini-buses and limousines; covered pedestrian walkways; and circulation roads for all ground transport modes.

The redevelopment will commence shortly with the majority of works to be completed by the end of 2017, in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The apron and taxiway expansion will be completed in two stages with Stage 2 to be completed by early 2021.

An overview of the Gold Coast Airport project can be downloaded here.