Sunshine Coast Airport is seeking proposals for a major hotel development opportunity as the next step in its plan to deliver a modern world-class airport for the region.
The proposed development will offer proponents the opportunity to deliver a high-quality 4 to 4.5 star hotel that caters to a growing number of business and leisure travellers, both domestic and international.
Strategically located within close proximity to the terminal, the site is ideally positioned to become a key hospitality destination integrated with the airport’s broader commercial offerings within the Gateway Precinct.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Chris Mills said the call for proposals is the next key step in the competitive market process to secure a private sector proponent to develop and own the new hotel.
“This is a unique opportunity for experienced developers and operators to partner with us in shaping the future of the airport and the region more broadly.
“As passenger numbers continue to grow, we see strong demand for high-quality, conveniently located accommodation.
“We are seeking a proponent who can deliver an outstanding hotel offering that complements our airport and enhances the traveller experience.
“With the terminal expansion project works well underway, now is the right time to look to the next major development in the airport precinct.
“We know there is an undersupply of accommodation options for travellers to our region, with more than 2,000 new hotel rooms needed before the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.”
“This development will help fill a gap in the market and offer greater choice for travellers.” Mr Mills said.
The campaign is being managed by CBRE, a leading real estate and commercial advisory firm with extensive experience in precinct developments.
CBRE Hotels Senior Director, Tom Gibson said at the end of the process, a preferred proponent to deliver a hotel as a sublessee will be selected.
“This offering represents an excellent opportunity to secure exclusive development rights to deliver a hotel in one of Australia’s fastest growing airports in a region experiencing record growth and local investment.”
Calls for Expressions of Interest will open today and close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
For more information contact CBRE Hotels Senior Director, Tom Gibson at [email protected]
Sunshine Coast Airport has recorded exceptional growth and is expected to welcome more than 1.8 million passengers in FY26, reflecting a 10-year growth rate of 69% compared to FY17.
Following the recent announcement of new international routes to Bali and Singapore, and in parallel with the continued investment in the region, annual passenger movements are forecast to exceed 2.4 million by 2030.
ENDS-
For more information contact:
Amira Vaatstra – Corporate Media and Communications Manager
0438 132 939
or
(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.
