Sunshine Coast Airport has launched a new initiative with Convo Australia to support hearing impaired passengers navigate their way through the airport.
The initiative is in preparation for the 2026 Australian Deaf Games which kicks off this Saturday, 4 July.
Sunshine Coast Airport’s General Manager Operations, Kate McCreery-Carr said the new service provides passengers access to an on-demand interpreting tool helping make the airport environment easier to navigate.
“Sunshine Coast Airport is very excited to be sponsoring the 2026 Australian Deaf Games, held for the very first time in the Sunshine Coast.
“In preparation for the Games, we have partnered with Convo Australia in delivering a service to help hearing impaired passengers journey through the terminal.
“QR codes will be displayed throughout the airport allowing deaf and hard of hearing passengers to quickly access interpreting support when needed.
“We understand the complexity that an airport environment can place on passengers so it’s great to have this tool available for use.
“We have also supported our employees and Sunshine Ambassadors to undertake an Auslan training workshop focused on airport specific sign language, equipping them to better support and welcome athletes, officials and supporters travelling through Sunshine Coast Airport during the Games.
The Australian Deaf Games is the premier multi-sport event for the deaf and hard of hearing community in Australia, featuring 20 sports and attracting more than 1,200 participants from across the nation.
Attendees will come from across Queensland and Australia, with a New Zealand contingent and participants from several Pacific Island Nations.
The Games will feature a diverse range of sports, including basketball, swimming, athletics, and more. The event will also include social and cultural activities, providing a platform for the deaf community to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique culture.
The Games will continue until 11 July 2026.
ENDS-
For more information contact:
Amira Vaatstra – Corporate Media and Communications Manager
M: 0438 132 939
amira.vaatstra@sunshinecoastairport.com.au
or
media@sunshinecoastairport.com.au
(07) 5373 1901
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport (the Airport) is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and one of Australia’s fastest growing airports. The Airport directly connects the Sunshine Coast community to domestic and international destinations; Adelaide, Auckland, Singapore via Bali, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney and is supported by five airlines; Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Our core markets of Sydney and Melbourne continue to be our most popular route with more than 80 flights per week. Passenger numbers have steadily increased by 10 percent year on year with 1.8 million passengers overall projected in 2026. By 2030, the number of passengers is projected to grow to 2.4 million.
In July 2023, the Airport was declared a Priority Development Area, with a new Development Scheme taking effect in September 2024. As part of the new development scheme, the first development area – the Gateway Precinct – was approved in November 2025. Permitted development includes a hotel, retail expansion, childcare, medical, shopping and other services. The Gateway Precinct is a core part of our strategy to deliver a modern world-class airport that will unlock significant benefits for the region and open-up commercial opportunities for the airport as it grows.
In October 2025, the Airport began its $170 million terminal redevelopment which is set to create a larger terminal with double the footprint to support the future of our airport and the region. The terminal upgrades will include 50 percent more retail food and beverage offerings, departure lounge expanding by three times in size (from 1250sqm to 3750sqm) and a 40 percent increase in airline capacity with two new gates. The first stage of the terminal redevelopment was completed in February 2026, with the opening of the new state-of-the-art outbound baggage facility. The new facility includes major infrastructure upgrades to streamline baggage handling processes from check-in to aircraft.
By 2040, it is estimated the airport will directly contribute $460 million to Australia’s GDP. Jobs created on airport are forecast to grow to 2,400 by 2040 and support a total of 3,438 direct and indirect jobs.
Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd operates and manages Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, under a 99-year lease from Sunshine Coast Council which commenced in December 2017.
