Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has approved the Brisbane Airport Master Plan 2026, clearing the way for development of one of Australia's busiest aviation hubs over the next two decades.
The plan outlines how the airport precinct will grow over the next 20 years, addressing capacity, connectivity and sustainability. King said the approval would ensure Brisbane has "a modern airport befitting the future of the state capital."
Alongside the approval, King has asked Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) to continue engaging with surrounding communities on aircraft noise, and with Airservices Australia on implementing the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane.
BAC has commenced an 18-month voluntary tailwind data trial at the airport as part of longer-term efforts to reduce overnight aircraft noise for local communities.
King flagged a gap in the approved plan, noting the current Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) does not account for potential future flight path changes being considered under the Noise Action Plan. She has outlined an expectation that BAC and Airservices will make information on any such changes publicly available once decisions are made.
Any flight path changes will also need to be reflected in the ANEF in future draft master plans, which will require technical endorsement by Airservices. King has also asked BAC to consider whether changes arising from the Noise Action Plan warrant seeking endorsement of an updated ANEF before the current Master Plan expires.
Brisbane Airport handled more than 24 million passengers in 2024-25 and is a key gateway for both domestic and international traffic, with its role expected to grow ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.