Sydney Domestic T2 $200m overhaul set for May

 A $200m upgrade will begin at T2 domestic terminal at Sydney Airport in May this year, with passenger experience operations to see a major overhaul. 

The plans were announced in November last year and will be the most significant redevelopment of the terminal in over 30 years. 

First announced in November 2024, this marks the most significant redevelopment of the T2 terminal in over 30 years. It is expected to modernise check-in and security processes, reduce congestion, and boost operational efficiency. 

Modern technology for a faster, smoother journey

Among the key features of the upgrade are next-generation security screening technology and new self-service check-in kiosks.

Advanced bag drop systems will increase baggage handling capacity by 300 bags per hour, state-of-the-art security scanners will allow passengers to keep laptops and aerosols in their carry-on luggage and Security lane capacity will also double to 500 passengers per hour.

In addition, dedicated security lanes for families and assistance passengers, as well as new post-security lifts will improve accessibility and convenience.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the upgrades position the terminal for the future.

““The upgrades we’re making at the T2 domestic terminal will significantly improve the experience for the 17 million people who use T2 every year and position us for future growth,” he said.

“We’ve made great progress on security recently, with all passengers clearing processing in less than 10 minutes, but the bottleneck at check-in can sometimes add 30 to 40 minutes. More kiosks and new automated bag drops will streamline the check-in process and, once complete, our aim is for passengers to get from kerb to gate within 15 minutes.

“The upgrade will be phased, with security set for completion by the end of the year and check-in works to be finished in late 2026. This means that for the next 18 months the journey through T2 will be a little different to what passengers are used to, and we encourage everyone to allow themselves plenty of time to get to the airport.

“We’re putting on extra staff to help passengers and we want to thank everyone in advance for their patience as we carry out these important upgrades to deliver a faster and more seamless travel experience.”

Temporary relocations to facilitate construction

To accommodate the redevelopment, Rex Airlines and Fly Pelican departures will relocate to the T3 domestic terminal from 8 April 2025. Meanwhile, Jetstar check-in facilities will temporarily move by 28 April 2025, sharing space currently used by Virgin Australia.

Passengers can preview the upcoming changes and view a video fly-through of the soon-to-be upgraded T2 domestic terminal by clicking here.

Key features of the T2 domestic upgrade

• Modernised check-in hall with state-of-the-art self-service kiosks and bag drop facilities
  
  
• Expanded baggage handling capacity from 1,500 to 1,800 bags per hour by 2026
  
  
• Enhanced security screening with cutting-edge scanners that allow passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags
  
  
• Dedicated security lanes for families and assistance passengers
  
  
• Improved post-security accessibility, including new lifts for easier access to food courts and lounges
  
  
• Increased security lane capacity, doubling processing from 235 to 500 passengers per hour