Brisbane Airport is set to revolutionise the passenger experience with a breathtaking animation revealing the dramatic revamp of its International Terminal as part of the $5 billion Future BNE transformation.
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The work at the International Terminal is part of the $5 billion Future BNE transformation over the coming decade that includes upgrades to the Domestic Terminal, construction of Terminal 3, and extensive commercial, retail, and industrial projects across the precinct.
Switching Levels
Currently, Security Screening and Passport Control at the International Terminal is in the windowless centre of the building on Level 3. Soon, security will relocate to the light-filled atrium on Level 4, providing passengers and workers with a brighter naturally-lit space reflecting the Queensland experience.
Advanced technology baggage and passenger screening
New next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) security screening equipment is being introduced for passengers and baggage. This new equipment is much larger and won’t fit into the existing security area, requiring its relocation to Level 4. Benefits of the new technology include:
Leave items in your bag: CT screening will allow passengers to leave items like laptops in their bag and have other loose items screened with their cabin bag through the introduction of larger, deeper screening trays.
Less time in the queue: The new equipment will also increase the speed at which passengers will pass through the screening point.
Improved accuracy: CT screening equipment and the 3D images of bags deliver higher levels of accuracy and reduce the need to rescreen bags.
The same technology is being installed in the Domestic Terminal and is part of the single largest airport deployment of Rapiscan Systems in South-East Asia and among one of the largest globally and includes:
33 Rapiscan 920CT cabin baggage screening units
10 Rapiscan RTT 110 checked baggage and oversize screening units
41 Rapiscan 4DX Explosive Trade Detection units
33 Rohde & Schwarz Quick Personnel Security Body Scanners.
Self-service check-in kiosks and bag drop
From the moment travellers step into the upgraded International Terminal they will notice a difference with the introduction of advanced self-service technology at bag drop and check-in, from partner Amadeus. The new technology enables Brisbane Airport to reduce queues, and passengers to choose between a smooth self-service or agent-led experience, powered by reliable technology that removes friction at check-in and bag drop.
Baggage system improvements
Behind the scenes, staged construction is underway in the International Terminal Baggage Area on a steel frame mezzanine that will house our brand new, energy-efficient, best-in-class conveyor system and Standard 3 technology baggage security screening equipment. This mezzanine level is being built above the existing baggage system to ensure continued operations and minimise the impact on operations during construction.
31 refreshed retail options & duty free to almost double
Retail also undergoes a transformation with 31 premier retail opportunities.
Brisbane Airport’s duty free area is also set to nearly double in size as part of the redevelopment. As part of a renewed 10-year partnership with Lotte Duty Free, the expansion will feature innovative design, a focus on local brands and sustainability, enhancing the shopping experience.
Power to vehicles servicing aircraft
The transformation of the International Terminal will also extend outside to the apron where a network of charging infrastructure tailored specifically to support ground support equipment (GSE) will be installed. GSE at airports include pushback tugs, belt loaders, cargo loaders, and baggage tugs used to service aircraft.
Rock reborn from Brisbane’s past
Innovative sustainable design features have been embedded into the project. This includes recycling a volcanic rock called Brisbane tuff. Initially quarried at Kangaroo Point from the 1880s, the material was used in the construction of Brisbane’s oldest buildings.
In 2015, Brisbane tuff was salvaged from demolition yards to create tiles installed into the International Terminal. With those tiles now requiring removal, they’re being crushed and reborn as reborn as terrazzo benchtops and furniture in the terminal.
Optimised Staging
Carefully optimised staging of the project into 20 phases will minimise impacts for passengers and airlines throughout construction which should conclude in 2027.
In FY24 the International Terminal welcomed 5.6 million passengers, up 39% on the previous year. In October American Airlines will join the BNE family with direct flights from Dallas-Fort Worth, and in December Delta Air Lines will commence direct flights from Los Angeles. Qantas will also shortly begin flights to Manila and Jetstar will begin services to Bangkok. A total of 110 million passengers have passed through the International Terminal since it opened almost three decades ago.