Resources & FAQs

Every major Australian airport must regularly prepare a Master Plan and submit it to the Australian Government. Sydney Airport is now updating its existing Master Plan 2039 with a new Master Plan 2045, which will guide the airport’s growth and development from 2025 to 2045.

The new plan will set out:

• How the airport will grow to meet future demand
• How passengers, airlines and businesses will be supported
• How land on the airport will be used
• What to expect in the future in terms of passengers, flights and freight
• How environmental and noise impacts will be managed

In the first five years, the plan will include measures to reduce traffic congestion, improve transport options, and deliver sustainability initiatives.

The first step is a Preliminary Draft Master Plan (PDMP), which is now open for public feedback from 17 September to 12 December 2025.

We invite the community to review the PDMP and share feedback through written submissions. All submissions will be carefully considered before the plan is finalised and submitted to the Australian Government for consideration.

Under Master Plan 2039, released in 2019, we've delivered major upgrades including:

• Passenger terminals – $200 million upgrade of T2 currently underway, with improved check-in, security and passenger facilities
• Airfield – more parking to incentivise new generation, quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft, upgraded lighting and security
• Commercial spaces – new hangar, upgraded lounges, Australia’s first in-airport hotel
• Ground transport – Sydney Gateway, new parking, Uber pick-up zones and better traffic flow
• Utilities – expanded solar power, new energy systems and upgraded sewerage

The new Master Plan forecasts figures for passengers, flights and freight, includes the changes to some of Sydney Airport’s flight paths after Western Sydney International Airport opens in 2026, and strengthens our approach to:

• Sustainability and decarbonisation
• Climate resilience
• Ground transport planning
• Passenger terminal development

Yes, our annual passengers are forecast to increase from 41 million today to around 72.6 million in 2045.

• International travel will more than double, from 16 million to 37 million passengers a year. The number of flights will increase from around 75,000 per year currently to around 130,000 in 2045.
• Domestic and regional travel will grow from 25 million to 36 million passengers a year. The number of flights will increase from around 212,000 per year currently to 255,000 in 2045.

We’ll expand and improve:

• Passenger terminals – expanding T1, T2 and T3 • Airfield – new aprons and taxiways • Freight and maintenance facilities - boosting capacity and efficiency • Transport connections – better road, rail, walking and cycling access

By 2045, Sydney Airport is expected to facilitate 569,000 full-time jobs and generate $70.6 billion annually for the Australian economy. That’s up from 315,000 jobs and $39.8 billion in 2023.

The airport’s growth will support increased leisure and business travel, support local businesses, increase trade and freight capacity, and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for local residents.

Sydney Airport will continue to follow strict operating rules, including the curfew, hourly flight cap and noise sharing arrangements.

We also support the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s “Balanced Approach” to aircraft noise management — a global best practice framework built on four key principles:

• Encouraging new generation quieter aircraft
• Working with governments on land-use planning
• Using noise abatement procedures during take-off and landing and supporting noise sharing
• Continuing to enforce existing restrictions

Key projects include:

• Sydney Gateway – already open, providing motorists toll-free direct access to Sydney’s motorway network, reducing traffic on local roads for residents
• Road upgrades – new link roads, extra lanes, signal improvements
• Better public transport – advocacy for stronger bus connections and rail upgrades
• Walking and cycling – safer paths, better signage and end-of-trip facilities for cyclists
• Smarter parking – expanded facilities, new valet services and technology to reduce congestion

We are committed to net zero emissions by 2030 for our own operations. Steps include:

• 100% renewable electricity from 2025
• Energy efficiency upgrades, such as replacing our runway and car park lighting with power-saving light bulbs
• Transition to electric vehicles and buses

We’re also supporting industry-wide changes like the increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and more fuel-efficient aircraft.

When Western Sydney International (WSI) opens in 2026, it will influence Sydney Airport’s operations. Both airports are expected to play complementary roles in meeting Sydney’s growing aviation demand.

Master Plan 2045 acknowledges that:

• Sydney Airport will remain the primary international gateway and the busiest airport in the region, with WSI helping to share aviation growth
• Both WSI and Sydney Airport are needed to accomodate long-term growth in passenger and freight movements across the Sydney Basin
• The introduction of WSI will lead to a change in some of Sydney Airport’s existing flight paths

The Preliminary Draft Master Plan (PDMP) is open for public feedback from 17 September to 12 December 2025.

You can:

• Call the Community Information Line 1800 312 809
• Email masterplan2045@syd.com.au
• Attend a Community Information Session near the airport