Travellers passing through Sydney Airport’s T2 Domestic terminal can look forward to a faster and more seamless experience, thanks to a $200 million redevelopment set to modernise Australia’s busiest domestic terminal.
The project will focus on improving efficiency with advanced technology and enhanced facilities, catering to the 17 million passengers that use T2 annually.
The project is the first major overhaul in more than three decades at the terminal.
The T2 upgrade includes new self-service kiosks and advanced bag drop technology, enabling passengers to manage their check-in process more efficiently. Baggage handling capacity will increase from 1,500 to 1,800 bags per hour by 2026.
Security screening will also receive a significant boost with state-of-the-art CT scanners across seven new lanes.
These upgrades will allow passengers to leave liquids and laptops in carry-on luggage, cutting processing times dramatically.
Each lane will handle 500 passengers per hour, a 113% increase in efficiency.
Dedicated family and assistance lanes will further enhance the traveller experience.
“We are excited to announce our design vision for the T2 Domestic terminal. We believe these changes will make the T2 experience one of the fastest and most efficient in Australia which is a great outcome for passengers and our airline partner,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said.
“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.
“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.”
T1 upgrades
Sydney Airport’s T1 International Terminal is undergoing a similar transformation, with 15 new security lanes featuring advanced technology to be operational by late 2025.
The redesigned layout will move security screening ahead of passport control, reducing wait times and improving passenger flow. The upgrade also includes 300 sqm of additional retail space.
Infrastructure expansion
In addition, a $169 million south east sector project is underway at Sydney Airport, adding four new apron bays and upgrading existing parking to accommodate larger aircraft like the A380.
A new 1.5km taxiway and enhanced fuel infrastructure is also expected to streamline operations and boost resilience.
Enhanced experience
The redevelopment isn’t just about efficiency – it’s also about comfort. Seven refreshed departure gates at T1 will offer modern lounges designed to reduce boarding times while providing more relaxing spaces for travellers.
Meanwhile, Sydney Airport will boost its partnership with the Australian Border Force to improve processing for arriving passengers.
The airport will fund additional e-gate kiosks, managed by ABF, to streamline the process and boost efficiency through this industry-government collaboration.
Sydney Airport continues to invest $2 million daily in infrastructure, focusing on delivering exceptional service to the 120,000 passengers it welcomes each day.
“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,” Charlton said.
“We’re working hard to minimise any inconvenience and ensure the terminal remains operational throughout the process.”
In September, Sydney Airport announced a new partnership with Lagardère AWPL to revamp its domestic travel essentials retail offering in T2 Domestic.
Last month, the Albanese Government introduced legislation to reform Sydney Airport’s slot system, the first such change in 27 years.
For more information on Sydney Airport, visit www.sydneyairport.com.au.
