The Federal Government has approved Brisbane Airport’s 2026 Master Plan, establishing a 20-year framework for the development of the airport precinct and its supporting infrastructure.
The plan will guide future infrastructure and land-use decisions as Brisbane Airport prepares for continued growth in passenger and freight activity.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says the approval will support the airport’s future capacity, connectivity and sustainability.
“This plan outlines how the airport precinct will develop over the next 20 years, ensuring ongoing capacity, connectivity and sustainability of one of our busiest aviation hubs,” she says.
“It will ensure Brisbane is equipped with a modern airport befitting the future of the state capital, and continue its essential contribution to the Queensland economy.”
Brisbane Airport forms part of a broader transport and commercial precinct, providing connections to air freight services and major road networks.
The Master Plan provides the overarching framework for future development across the precinct, although individual major projects may remain subject to separate planning and approval processes.
Alongside the approval, Minister King has asked Brisbane Airport Corporation to continue engaging with surrounding communities on aircraft noise and work with Airservices Australia on the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane.
Brisbane Airport Corporation has commenced an 18-month voluntary tailwind data trial as part of ongoing efforts to safely reduce overnight aircraft noise.
The Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast included in the Master Plan does not account for potential future flight path changes being considered through the Noise Action Plan.
Minister King says Brisbane Airport Corporation and Airservices Australia will be expected to make information about any approved changes publicly available.
Any flight path changes will also need to inform the Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast contained in future Brisbane Airport master plans, with the forecasts requiring technical endorsement from Airservices Australia.
Brisbane Airport Corporation has also been asked to consider whether changes resulting from the Noise Action Plan warrant seeking endorsement for an updated forecast before the 2026 Master Plan expires.
“I look forward to seeing Brisbane Airport continue to develop and provide critical connectivity and opportunities,” Minister King says.
