Perth Airport’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Upgrade Will Feature A New Runway, Hotel And Central Terminal

A new central terminal, parallel runway, carparks and the airport’s first hotel are part of Perth Airport’s multi-billion-dollar redevelopment. There’s a big caveat for travellers, though: years of construction and delays are expected as the airport works towards bringing every flight service into one precinct.

If you’ve ever had to trek between Perth Airport’s terminals, you’ll know the current split can make a connection feel like a road trip. Terminals 1 and 2 sit east of the runways, while Terminals 3 and 4 are on the west side, around an eight-kilometre drive or shuttle ride apart. The airport’s One Airport vision aims to bring operations together at Airport Central, with Qantas expected to move into the new central terminal after 2031.

Image credit: Perth Airport | Website

What Redevelopment Is Happening At Perth Airport?

The redevelopment is expected to include a new domestic and international terminal, a new parallel runway, two multi-storey carparks and associated roadworks, an upgrade to Terminal 2, and Perth Airport’s first hotel. The airport says the broader program will bring all flight services into the Airport Central precinct.

The project’s cost and opening date are not locked in, however a whopping $3 billion figure was attached to the terminal and runway deal signed in 2024, at which point Perth Airport's chief executive Jason Waters quickly shut down the figure siting that it was far too early to confirm the budget and completion date. Now in 2026, the current expectations remain on target, with preliminary works on the new terminal expected to begin within the next 12 months.

One of the two new carparks is already complete and due to open later in 2026, while construction of the airport hotel is expected to begin in late 2027. The full redevelopment is approximately five years away, currently targeting a 2031 opening for the new terminal, but we're being warned that substantial delays may be possible based on trades, labour, building materials, budget blow-outs, while also wanting to prioritise minimum disruption for jetsetters.

Will There Be Disruption At Perth Airport During The Redevelopment?

We've been told the airport will thankfully remain open 24/7 during construction, but the next five or six years are expected to bring plenty of activity around the terminals, so you'll wanna leave extra time when heading away. 

Excitingly, these big changes and disruptions may be worth it with a transport upside once the airport is consolidated. The Airport Line already connects Airport Central with Perth’s CBD, but only about four per cent of passengers currently use it—therefore bringing more flights into the central precinct is expected to make the train a more practical, low-cost yet convenient option for travellers.

Image credit: Perth Airport | Website

What Other Changes Are Happening At Perth Airport Right Now?

When it rains, it pours because this afternoon WA Premier Roger Cook also announced an increase of direct flights and new routes from Japan and New Zealand, set to bring an additional 53,600 inbound seats to Western Australia over the next year.

All Nippon Airways has now increased its direct Tokyo to Perth service from three flights per week to once daily until review on 27 March 2027—that means that if successful (a reason to all buy Japan flights, stat) that the direct route will likely continue, and perhaps even expand to other Japanese regions.

Jetstar also launches it new seasonal direct Christchurch to Perth service tomorrow 27 October 2026 until 27 March 2027, delivering an additional 700 inbound seats from New Zealand each week so more of our Kiwi friends can come visit. Phew. 

The details

What: Perth Airport’s One Airport redevelopment, bringing flight services into the Airport Central precinct.

Where: Perth Airport, east of Perth’s CBD.

When: Preliminary terminal work is expected to begin within 12 months. The new terminal is targeting 2031, but final cost and timing have not been confirmed. Hotel construction is expected to start in late 2027.

More info: Perth Airport and Skyfields.