Here’s What You Need To Know About The Sunshine Coast Airport’s $170 Million Upgrade

Sunshine Coast travellers, get ready; your airport experience is about to level up in a seriously big way. Sunshine Coast Airport has just unveiled the first look at its long-awaited terminal redevelopment and expansion.

Set to be completed in 2027, the $170 million upgrade will double the terminal’s footprint, triple the departure lounge space and boost departure gates by 40% to cater to the region’s booming growth.

“The Terminal Redevelopment Project is a major milestone in the airport’s expansion with approximately $170 million being invested to support the future of our airport and our region,” said Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills.

Image credit: SCA | Supplied

Local construction company McNab and global architecture firm Populous | Fentress Studios are the  team behind the upgrade, which will also deliver expanded food and retail offerings, smart new check-in and security technology, and plenty of sustainable features like expanded solar panels, mass timber and rainwater harvesting.

Image credit: SCA | Supplied

McNab CEO Kunjan Ganatra said the company was proud to play a key role in such a transformational project for the Coast. “We will see around 2,000 people working on this project, with 90 per cent of trades and subcontractors coming from within our region. Together we will deliver a terminal our community can be proud of—one that combines smart design, sustainability and a strong sense of place.”

Image credit: SCA | Supplied

Stage one of construction is already underway, with the new outbound baggage facility expected to wrap in early 2026 before the full terminal expansion lands in 2027.

Sunshine Coast Airport is experiencing significant growth, expecting to welcome more than 1.8 million passengers in FY26 and 2.4 million by 2030.

Main image credit: SCA | Supplied