Perth Airport has unveiled a refreshed retail and hospitality precinct at T1 International, introducing 14 new and upgraded outlets ahead of the winter travel peak.
The upgrade aims to enhance the pre-flight experience while showcasing Western Australian brands to international travellers, with more than 50,000 travellers expected on peak days during the busy winter school holiday period.
The refreshed precinct brings together global retail operators, familiar airport brands, local WA names and expanded passenger choice across dining, shopping, travel essentials and premium experiences.
Partners involved in the upgrade include Avolta, Lagardère AWPL, Delaware North, SSP, WHSmith and Smarte Carte, with Perth Airport positioning the precinct as part of a broader investment in the international passenger experience.
Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove said T1 International had changed significantly over the past year.
“There are now more places for passengers to eat, drink, shop, browse and relax before boarding. This refresh brings together international retail expertise, iconic brands and a stronger sense of Western Australia throughout the terminal,” Ms Holsgrove said.
More choice before take-off
The new and refreshed mix includes Matso’s Brewhouse, WA Cellar, The.Social, Co + Co, Roll’d Vietnamese, Sushi Jiro, The Jerky Co., Heys Luggage, Discover Perth, Natural Collective, curi.o.city and a reimagined Perth Duty Free.
The precinct has been shaped around passenger demand for greater choice across fast, fresh, familiar and new experiences, giving travellers more options whether they are after a quick bite, a drink before boarding, last-minute gifts, luggage, local products or duty-free shopping.
A stronger sense of WA
Several of the new concepts draw directly on Western Australia’s landscape, produce and design cues.
Discover Perth takes inspiration from the state’s geography and natural environment, while WA Cellar features rock and sand-toned elements inspired by the feel of South West cellar doors. Co + Co cocktail lounge draws on red earth and rugged textures from WA’s natural palette, while Matso’s Brewhouse brings one of the state’s best-known hospitality brands to the international terminal through its first airport venue outside the Kimberley.
Holsgrove said airports were often the first and last impression travellers had of a destination, making the precinct an important platform for local brands.
“This refresh gives us the opportunity to showcase Western Australia in a stronger way. From local food and beverage operators to WA gifting, wine, design and hospitality, the precinct helps bring a stronger sense of place to the international passenger journey,” she said.
Duty free expands
Perth Duty Free has also expanded its footprint across new immersive departures and arrivals stores in T1 International.
The expanded offer includes more than 100 new brands and category extensions designed to strengthen the terminal’s international retail experience and give passengers more choice on both sides of their journey.
Part of a bigger airport shift
The retail and hospitality refresh sits alongside wider passenger service upgrades at Perth Airport, including refreshed seating areas, enhanced terminal transfer and shuttle bus services, and the ongoing rollout of self-service kiosks to support faster check-in.
New accessibility facilities include a pre-bookable sensory room, Changing Places, service animal relief areas and accessibility lanes at security screening.
Holsgrove said the upgrades formed part of Perth Airport’s focus on improving the passenger experience now, while continuing to progress its wider One Airport vision.
“While we continue to progress major plans under our One Airport vision, including new multi-level car parks, a new parallel runway and new terminal facilities, passengers are already seeing meaningful improvements across the airport today,” she said.
Perth Airport’s aviation network is also continuing to expand, supporting stronger connectivity across Asia, Europe, New Zealand and interstate markets.
Recent milestones include additional services to Bali with TransNusa, direct services to Newcastle, Auckland and Johannesburg with Qantas, year-round direct flights to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines, and the return of daily services from both Qatar Airways and Emirates.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Airports are doubling down on retail and F&B to boost non-aeronautical revenue and shape destination perception before departure. For agents, it reinforces how the airport experience is becoming a key part of the overall travel journey.
