BNE Domestic Terminal Upgrade Hits Overdrive

• From October, the pace of transformation in the Domestic Terminal hits overdrive
• Two new temporary security screening areas will open, as well as a temporary check-in and bag drop area for some passengers
• The central entrance area of the terminal, as well as security, check-in and bag drop area will close in stages across October to allow for the construction of a new mezzanine security level
• Excavation is already underway, revealing the sand the terminal was built on for the first time since the mid 1980s.

The transformation of Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal hits overdrive in October with new temporary security screening points, check-in, and bag drop locations opening for thousands of domestic passengers. 

These changes are to make way for the future era self-check-in, automated bag drop and next generation passenger and baggage screening equipment upgrades. 

Passengers will experience the “upgrade before the upgrade” as new improved temporary facilities open in stages. 

The temporary facilities will enable construction of a mezzanine level in the centre of the terminal to house new next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) security screening equipment that will allow passengers to keep electronics in their bags and improve the accuracy of screening. 

“With the central entrance to the terminal closing, it will be important for passengers to know which end of the terminal they’re heading to, and that will depend on which airline they’re travelling with. At every step of the way, clear signage and helpful volunteers will guide you,” according to Brisbane Airport Head of Terminal Operations, Stacey Pollard. 

Changes will continue across October with passengers able to check the very latest before they travel at bne.com.au/updates   

• OCTOBER 1: New temporary security screening point opening at the Virgin Australia end of the terminal  
• OCTOBER 1: Rex, Link Airways and National Jet Express check-in, bag drop moving to southern end of the terminal adjacent to Virgin Australia 
• EARLY OCTOBER: the Visitor Information desk relocates opposite baggage claim 5 
• LATE OCTOBER: New temporary check-in and bag drop and security for Jetstar passengers opens on the forecourt at the northern end of the terminal adjacent to Qantas. 

“The changes are being carefully managed with overlapping capacity to ensure there is a smooth transition. Passengers have no reason to be concerned and are advised to arrive the normal 90 minutes before a domestic departure.  

“Infact the new temporary facilities are a step-up from what is currently in use and the temporary spaces are larger. These are the upgrades before the upgrades.” 

Once all temporary changes are in place: 

FOR PASSENGERS ARRIVING FROM CAR PARK OR AIRTRAIN, AT THE END OF THE SKYWALK: 

TURN LEFT: Qantas and Jetstar 

TURN RIGHT: Virgin, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, Aerlink 

 FOR PASSENGERS BEING DROPPED OFF BY CAR: 

ZONE 1-3: Qantas and Jetstar 

ZONE 6-7: Virgin, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, Aerlink 

The security upgrade project is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2025, and passengers with carry-on luggage only will have a direct entry into the new mezzanine level from the Skywalk, and a simpler screening process. 

Benefits of the new technology include:   

Leave items in your bag: CT screening will allow passengers to leave items like laptops in their bag and have other loose items screened with their cabin bag through the introduction of larger, deeper screening trays.  

Improved accuracy: CT screening equipment and the 3D images of bags deliver higher levels of accuracy and reduce the need to rescreen bags.   

“Travellers will enjoy less hassle with the new screening system, by keeping laptops and other electronic items in their bags. It is a smoother experience and provides more accurate screening.”  

“We’ve actually set up a testing laboratory with the new equipment to refine operations and train staff before its deployment at the end of 2025. It’s the only testing lab of its type in Australia.”  

The same technology is being installed in the International Terminal and is part of the single largest airport deployment of Rapiscan Systems in South-East Asia and among one of the largest globally. 

Construction is also underway adjacent to the Domestic Terminal on a new multi-story car park to provide 1,700 additional spaces of capacity, to meet growing demand.  Retail upgrades across the terminal have also been completed with 10 creative new options. 

The projects are part of the $5 billion Future BNE transformation of Brisbane Airport which includes upgrades to the Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, planning for a future Terminal 3, as well as retail, commercial and industrial developments. 

View Animation of the changes to the Domestic Terminal. 

Map for Qantas & Jetstar passengers: https://www.bne.com.au/sites/default/files/docs/2024-09/1-October-2024-Domestic-Terminal-Map_Level-1-Northern-End.pdf  

Map for passengers from Virgin, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, Aerlink https://www.bne.com.au/sites/default/files/docs/2024-09/1-October-2024-Domestic-Terminal-Map_Level-1-Southern-End.pdf  

For more information contact Brisbane Airport’s 24/7 media hotline: 0466 322 485