Sunshine Coast Airport is celebrating 65 years of connecting the region, marking the anniversary of its official opening as Maroochy Airport on 12 August 1961.
What began as a modest grass strip on isolated, marshy coastal land has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports and a vital gateway for the region.
The airport’s history stretches back even further with the first aircraft landing on the newly constructed Maroochy strip on 14 August 1959. Pilots Roy Kassulke and Bill Edgar arrived aboard an HT-2 Hindustani Trainer paving the way for the airport’s official opening two years later.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the anniversary was a moment to reflect on how far the airport had come and the exciting future ahead.
“For 65 years, this airport has been at the heart of our region’s growth connecting families, supporting local business and driving tourism.
“From welcoming loved one’s home and supporting local businesses, to connecting visitors with the Sunshine Coast lifestyle, the airport has played an important role in the lives of generations of residents.
“Our vision is to be the natural choice, connecting people and places, growing sustainably, and doing things with care and integrity for our community, customers and stakeholders.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not only reflecting on our history, but also preparing for the opportunities ahead, including the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The airport’s $170million domestic terminal redevelopment continues to take shape, with several stages completed and others nearing completion. The project is doubling the terminal’s footprint and providing passengers with an expanded range of retail, dining and service offerings.
“At the same time, proposals for new hotel, retail, commercial and industrial development opportunities are being assessed in the Gateway Precinct.”
With passenger numbers reaching 1.8 million in FY26, an increase of 9.7% on the previous year, and 86% higher than a decade ago, the airport continues to reflect the region’s growing appeal as a destination to live, work and visit.
Mr Mills said the anniversary was also an opportunity to recognise the many people who had contributed to the airport’s success over the past 65 years.
“This milestone belongs to the generations of employees, aviation partners, contractors, tenants, stakeholders, volunteers and the millions of passengers who have travelled through our airport.
“Their contribution, commitment and belief in the future of our region have helped shape Sunshine Coast Airport into what it is today.
“We sincerely thank everyone, past and present, who have been part of this remarkable journey.
“While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about the future. With major infrastructure projects underway and new development opportunities emerging, Sunshine Coast Airport is well positioned to continue to support the growth and prosperity of the region for decades to come,” Mr Mills concluded.
Sunshine Coast Airport History
| 1961 | Officially opened as Maroochy Airport, with the sealed Runway 18/36 supporting the region’s early growth. |
| 1983 | Construction commences on the air traffic control tower. |
| 1984 | The first passenger jet, an Air New South Wales Fokker Fellowship F-28, touched down at Maroochy Airport. |
| 1987 | The airport began to be marketed as Sunshine Coast Airport, with the name officially adopted in 2009. |
| 1997 | The current terminal building was constructed at a cost of approximately $11 million. |
| 2009 | Airport officially renamed Sunshine Coast Airport. |
| 2017 | Sunshine Coast Airport became the first carbon-neutral airport in Australia and transitioned to private operation under a 99-year lease agreement with Sunshine Coast Council. |
| 2020 | A new 2,450-metre runway (13/31) was commissioned, allowing larger aircraft to fly direct to more destinations across Australia, Asia and the Pacific. |
| 2023 | Sunshine Coast Airport declared a Priority Development Area (PDA) by the Queensland State Government recognising the airport as a significant regional asset and the important role it plays as an economic enabler for the wider region. |
| 2025 | The airport’s Gateway Precinct Master Plan received approval from Economic Development Queensland and commenced its $170 million domestic terminal redevelopment, the largest investment in its history. |
| 2026 | The airport seeks proposals from developers and investors to progress hotel, retail, commercial and industrial sites within its Gateway Precinct. |
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.
