For anybody who flies in and out of Sydney, the announcement of a domestic terminal overhaul should be music to their ears.
The $200 million overhaul of the T2 Domestic terminal will be the first major redevelopment at Australia’s busiest domestic terminal in more than three decades.
Once complete, it is anticipated that 95 per cent of the 17 million passengers who use T2 every year will travel from the kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes.
The new layout will introduce more self-service kiosks and new bag drop technology, allowing passengers to take control of their check-in process and speed up departures. With the airport currently processing 1500 bags per hour at peak times, this upgrade will boost capacity to 1800 bags per hour by 2026, further enhancing efficiency.
In line with the Australian Government’s security mandate to install ‘standard three’ security equipment by the end of 2025, the terminal will feature next-generation security technology and state-of-the-art scanners across seven processing lanes totalling 26 metres.
These new systems will allow passengers to leave items like laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage, dramatically reducing security processing times, with each lane able to process 500 passengers per hour – a 113 per cent increase.
The streamlined security design will feature dedicated lanes for family and assistance. At the same time, two brand new lifts post-security will provide a more seamless experience for passengers to access the food court and gate lounges.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the changes will make the T2 experience one of Australia’s fastest and most efficient.
“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,” he said.
“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. We’re working hard to minimise inconvenience and ensure the terminal remains operational throughout the process.”
Work should be completed by late 2025.