‘Project Flight’ – next phase of Adelaide Airport’s terminal construction commences

Adelaide Airport is ‘ramping up’ for the next phase of its previously announced $600 million aeronautical infrastructure upgrade program - Project Flight - which will deliver the capacity to accommodate Adelaide’s 2050 aviation network vision. 

The airport so far has been delivering projects that are largely ‘behind the scenes’. The next phases of construction will become more visible to passengers as the expansion of the check-in hall commences along with extra gates and aerobridges at either end of the terminal.

Upcoming Project Flight infrastructure upgrades include:

•    Check-in – Expansion of the southern end of the check-in hall by more than 1,500 square metres, (roughly the size of 5 tennis courts) to increase check-in capacity by 25 per cent, including replacement of all existing check-in equipment with the latest technology. Demolition of the southern ramp to the elevated road to enable the expansion of the check-in hall has commenced and valet and chauffeured vehicle operations have been relocated.

•    Northern Terminal – Expansion of the northern end of the terminal by some 10,000 square metres commencing by the start of 2026, including new domestic gate lounges and aerobridges as well as office accommodation to house aviation-related tenants.

•    Southern Terminal – Expansion of the southern end of the terminal by more than 5,500 square metres commencing by early 2027, including two new domestic and three new regional gates. 

•    Aircraft Parking – Expansion of the number of aircraft parking positions by up to nine positions adjacent the southern and northern ends of the terminal delivered progressively over the next three years.

Security Screening regulatory upgrades to passenger and checked baggage screening, including the roll-out of body scanners and 3D x-ray bag scanners, will be completed by the end of the year. Six new lanes are now open for a consistent modern experience, while security pass-back works are ongoing. Adelaide Airport will also complete its security screening technology for checked baggage within the terminal’s main baggage handling system by the end of the year.

Other enhancements within the terminal include a new international departures gate and enhanced facilities for families including a new play space, sensory room for people with hidden disabilities, and gate seating upgrades across the entire terminal including business hubs, new lounge seating and other fixtures.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said: “Our passenger numbers are at record levels, and we are planning for that airline connectivity to continue to grow – so we are also continuing to deliver the infrastructure required to accommodate that growth.

“Our expanded check-in space will incorporate the latest technology for check-in kiosks as well as more bag-drop facilities to create a more seamless process.
“This project requires significant construction works in our check-in hall and at either end of the terminal. Towards the end of the year some temporary check-in facilities may be required to be built to enable construction. Clear direction will be provided to customers in advance of that time through our website, social media channels and within the terminal to help customers prepare.

“We recognise these short-term measures will cause some inconvenience and a change of experience for our customers, but they will help us create a much better experience in the future. We are very grateful to our customers for their continued patience and understanding as work continues.”

Construction works on the check-in expansion have commenced, starting with the demolition of the old southern ramp. The northern-end terminal expansion is scheduled to start in early 2026 while southern-end works are planned for early 2027.

“Additional gates and aerobridges at the southern and northern ends of the terminal will particularly benefit domestic and regional flyers, accommodating peak demand and offering wonderful new facilities in our gate lounges and adjacent areas,” Mr Cox said.

“We have already opened the new P2 outdoor car park directly adjacent the multi-storey car park in advance of having to reduce the number of long-term car parking spaces where we are now constructing aircraft parking bays.

“Construction in a live environment inevitably impacts journeys to some degree. Adelaide Airport will minimise disruption to customers during the works. We will successively put in place measures to ensure our customers’ journeys can be as seamless as possible while this work is completed.”

Adelaide Airport is also investigating options for an upgrade of the pick-up and drop-off zone and additional car parking.

Project Flight images and map available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/m6hp6e8vkaua4tyhjzxbk/AOtAK6va0qopkjP5hSJSndg?rlkey=pt45wu8jhtogjshic27pakxd7&e=1&st=2s5xv1on&dl=0 

Project Flight website: www.corporate.adelaideairport.com.au/about-us/projects/project-flight 

Project delivery partners: 

Check-In Hall, Northern Terminal and Southern Terminal Expansion:
Managing Contractor: BESIX Watpac
Design works: Baukultur | Populous
 
Passenger Experience Enhancement Projects: 
Managing Contractor: Built
Design works: Woods Bagot 
 
Regulatory Screening Upgrades: 
Managing Contractor: BESIX Watpac
Design Works: Baukultur
Baggage screening equipment: Smiths Detection
Body scanners and CT x-rays equipment: Rapiscan
Baggage hall and conveyor equipment upgrade manager: Alstef. 
 
Apron Expansion projects:
Lead design consultant (all three projects): Aurecon
Head contractor (first project): Downer Transport & Infrastructure