Adelaide Airport is preparing for the next phase of its ambitious $600 million upgrade program, dubbed Project Flight. The project is enhancing its infrastructure to meet the needs of its 2050 aviation network vision. With earlier projects mostly executed behind the scenes, the upcoming construction activities will be more prominent to visitors as the terminal expands its facilities.
The upcoming developments will see the southern check-in hall expand by over 1,500 square metres, roughly the size of five tennis courts, increasing its capacity by 25 per cent. This expansion will feature the installation of the latest check-in technology, including new kiosks and bag-drop facilities. The demolition necessary for this expansion has already begun, resulting in the relocation of valet and chauffeured vehicle operations.
The airport plans to expand the northern end of the terminal by about 10,000 square metres by the start of 2026. This area will see new domestic gate lounges and aerobridges, along with office spaces designated for aviation-related tenants. By early 2027, the southern terminal will be expanded by over 5,500 square metres and will include two new domestic and three new regional gates.
The number of aircraft parking positions will also increase by up to nine, to be developed progressively over the next three years, adjacent to both the southern and northern terminal ends.
Passenger convenience and security are also being prioritised, with upgrades to security screening due for completion by the end of the year. This includes the roll-out of body scanners and 3D x-ray bag scanners across six new lanes, hoping to provide a consistent and modern screening experience. The project will also see the inclusion of a new international departures gate and upgraded facilities for families. These include a new play space, a sensory room for individuals with hidden disabilities, and upgrades to gate seating throughout the terminal.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox shared, “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.”
“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.”
As these extensive renovations take shape, Adelaide Airport is committing to various strategies to limit customer inconvenience during this period. This includes the recent opening of the new P2 outdoor car park to mitigate the reduction in available long-term parking spaces due to the ongoing construction.
For more information, click here.
