Picture of the week: Brisbane Airport reveals major international terminal transformation
Posted: 5 September 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
This weeks picture of the week is Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal $5 billion transformation, enhancing passenger experience through smarter screening, expanded dining, and improved boarding capacity.


Credit: Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal is undergoing its biggest transformation yet as part of the $5 billion Future BNE programme, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the facility.
The International Terminal opened on 5 September 1995, launched by then Prime Minister Paul Keating who described it as “a confident building” that reflected the spirit of Queensland and Australia. Since then, 118 million travellers have passed through its doors.
Over three decades, the terminal has grown from 8 aerobridges to 19, serving 26 airlines to 35 destinations. A major expansion in 2008 added new space for airline processing, retail, customs and baggage facilities.
The latest reconfiguration will introduce relocated Security and Passport Control to the check-in level, smarter screening allowing devices to remain in bags, expanded self-service check-in and bag drop, upgraded baggage systems, new covered walkways and an enlarged duty-free area almost twice its current size. Passengers will also see an expanded dining offer with 10 new or refreshed outlets.
“Airports are never finished and we’re always evolving to meet the needs of a growing city. This latest transformation will ensure we continue to serve Queenslanders for decades to come,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.
“Our International Terminal is Queensland’s gateway to the world, a vital link that underpins the state’s visitor economy and global connectivity. Thirty years on, the terminal still ignites the excitement of a holiday departure and the joy of arriving in Queensland, and is a true credit to the vision and skill of its original designers.”
Passenger numbers reached 6.5 million in the past year, a 16.3% rise, with connectivity at record levels. Upcoming increases include Malaysia Airlines returning in November, Jetstar adding Cebu from December, and more flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, China Southern Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
With these changes, Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal is set to continue evolving as Queensland’s international gateway for decades ahead.
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Related topics
Airlines, Airport construction and design, Airport development, Airport leadership, Duty Free, Food and Beverage (F&B), Passenger experience and seamless travel, Passenger volumes, Route development, Terminal operations
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American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines
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Allyce Mattock, Don Watson, Gavan Ranger, George Clooney, Gert-Jan De Graaff, Jeff Lurie, Julia Roberts, Paul Keating