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Sydney Airport is preparing to embark on a $200 million overhaul of its T2 domestic terminal.
Works will begin next year on the terminal, which houses Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and regional airlines, and are expected to take until the end of 2026. They will include new security scanning systems, improved bag drops, and more self-service kiosks.
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Around 17 million passengers use Terminal 2 every year, and Sydney Airport says the upgrades will boost capacity in both security screening – with each lane expected to process up to 500 passengers per hour, compared to the current average of 235 – and the bag drop expected to process 1,800 bags per hour at peak times, up from 1,500.
The security upgrades will include more modern scanners which negate the need for passengers to remove items such as laptops from their bags.
According to airport CEO Scott Charlton, T2 will become “one of the fastest and most efficient [terminals] in Australia”, with 95 per cent of passengers expected to make it from kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes.
“These upgrades will not only transform security performance but will also support future demand, ensuring that Australia’s busiest airport terminal can accommodate the significant growth in passenger numbers we’re forecasting,” he said.
“These significant upgrades build on a series of improvements made over the past 12 months at T2, including the opening of the first Australian domestic airport department store in December 2023, new food, beverage and retail offerings – all designed to enhance the passenger experience and elevate the journey from start to finish.
“While we understand that the upgrade works may cause temporary disruption, we want to thank passengers and our airline partners for their patience and understanding during this important transformation. We’re working hard to minimise any inconvenience and ensure the terminal remains operational throughout the process.”
The T1 international terminal is also receiving upgrades, with 15 new screening lanes using CT technology expected to increase throughput from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour. Seven international departure gates will also be refreshed, with the airport having said they will provide more comfort to waiting passengers.
“The more than 4,000sqm upgrade will feature new gate lounge layouts to reduce boarding times and contemporary finishes that align with the broader airport upgrades,” said Sydney Airport in a press release.
The upgrades come as Sydney Airport’s COVID-19 recovery stands at around 92.5 per cent, with domestic travel still stagnant as of the third quarter of 2024.
Ian Becker
says:T2 Sydney wouldn’t be T2 without disruption.