Uttam Kumar
Brisbane Airport’s Draft 2026 Master Plan is now seeking public input until October 30, 2025. The plan tackles a major challenge – private vehicles currently make up 85% of all airport journeys.
The proposed Brisbane Metro 4 extension stands out as a key solution, with construction set to begin in late 2025. This route would link Woolloongabba to both airport terminals, offering a faster alternative to existing options.
“We’re really supportive of getting Metro to the airport,” said Michael Jarvis, Head of Airport Planning. “We are safeguarding corridors on airport land when there is a change in exclusivity.”
The plan includes renaming the terminals – international becoming T1 and domestic becoming T2. A new Terminal 3 is also moving forward, with tarmac work starting next year and likely finishing by 2029.
Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff has pointed to problems with the current Airtrain service. The Brisbane Airport Rail Link contract prevents increasing rail services until 2036, and he’s pushing for changes to allow more frequent, cheaper train connections.
Cost is a major issue for the 24,000 people who work at the airport daily. A one-way Airtrain ticket from the city costs $19, while a Metro ticket would likely cost around $4 for the same trip.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted this problem: “It’s unaffordable for the 24,000 workers commuting every day to the airport.”
Passenger numbers are expected to grow significantly – reaching 34.8 million during the 2032 Olympics and 52.3 million annually by 2046. This growth makes transport improvements urgent.
Similar Posts
The plan also sets aside space for “vertiports” – landing areas for potential flying taxis. “It’s an emerging technology,” Jarvis explained. “We are safeguarding spaces.”
A partnership between the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council has revealed broader plans for Metro expansion, including 22 new stations connecting the airport with Brisbane’s north, south, and east. This expansion aims to provide electric, high-frequency service before the 2032 Olympics.
Premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Schrinner have jointly asked the federal government to support the Metro expansion, stressing that cooperation between all government levels is essential.
The airport’s environmental commitments include a 2023 Active Transport Strategy for safer cycling and walking routes around the airport. They’ve also committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2025.
The public can provide feedback on the Draft 2026 Brisbane Airport Master Plan until October 30, 2025, after which it goes to the federal minister for approval.
“It’s really important that we get feedback from the public,” Jarvis said, encouraging community involvement in the airport’s future.
