Resources & FAQs

Sydney Airport is announcing the public launch of its endorsed Master Plan 2045, which sets the long-term planning framework for how the airport will develop over the next 20 years to meet future demand and support passengers, airlines, freight, tourism, trade and jobs. 

Yes, the Master Plan has been approved by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. It now becomes Sydney Airport’s final Master Plan 2045 and the long-term planning framework for the airport. 

Sydney Airport needs to plan for long-term passenger, airline, freight and operational demand. The Master Plan sets out how the airport can grow responsibly while improving the passenger experience and managing environmental and community impacts. 

A key feature is the long-term terminal development pathway, including the proposed creation of a more connected precinct across the domestic terminals and future international capability, supporting smoother connections and more efficient operations. 

The Master Plan is a strategic planning document, not approval for every individual project to begin immediately. Specific projects will be subject to detailed planning, approvals, funding decisions, consultation and delivery timelines. 

Sydney Airport recognises aircraft noise is a significant issue for communities. The Master Plan includes updated forecasts and outlines the framework for managing impacts. Sydney Airport will continue working with Airservices Australia, government and the community on noise-related matters. 

No change to the legislated curfew is proposed through the Master Plan. Sydney Airport will continue to operate within the regulatory framework that applies to the airport. 

The Master Plan does not change the legislated movement cap. Sydney Airport will continue to operate within the regulatory settings that apply to the airport. 

Ground transport is a key part of the Master Plan. Sydney Airport will continue working with the NSW Government, councils and transport partners to improve access, manage congestion and support better transport choices for passengers, workers and the community. 

The plan is designed to support a better passenger experience over time, including more efficient terminals, smoother connections, improved capacity and better access to airport services. 

The plan provides a long-term framework to support airline growth, operational efficiency and future infrastructure planning, while recognising that individual projects will require further detailed engagement with airlines and partners. 

The Master Plan sets out a long-term development pathway. Project costs, funding and delivery timelines will be confirmed as individual projects move through detailed planning and approval processes. 

The Master Plan incorporates Sydney Airport’s Airport Environment Strategy and sets out how environmental issues, sustainability, emissions reduction, climate resilience and operational impacts will be managed over the planning period. 

Sydney Airport undertook public consultation on the preliminary draft Master Plan and considered submissions before finalising the draft for Ministerial decision. The final launch should reference confirmed consultation numbers and themes once approved by Government Relations / Planning. 

Sydney Airport will move from strategic planning to staged delivery planning for priority initiatives, with further consultation, approvals and stakeholder engagement as individual projects progress.