Australia: Gold Coast's $260m expansion opens to domestic travellers

Gold Coast’s new $260m terminal expansion opened on Thursday morning to domestic passengers. The phased introduction will continue until 11 September before it welcomes international travellers on 13 October. The three-level, $260m project doubles the building’s capacity and offers “spectacular” views of both the surrounding area as well the northern NSW hinterland. It specifically includes six new gates and room for up to 19 widebody aircraft. It comes as domestic and international passenger numbers are expected to grow from about 6.5m pre-COVID-19 to more than 10m with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The city’s population is also expected to double to 1.2m by 2050. The expansion, designed by Hassell and built by Lendlease, includes a triple-height glass-walled departure hall, four glass aerobridges, and space for 18 new food and retail outlets. The development is part of a wider $500m of investment in the Gold Coast Airport precinct since 2018, including the $260m terminal, $86m in airside works, and other associated infrastructure.<br/>