Sunshine Coast Airport has reinforced its position as the natural choice for travellers with record growth in passenger numbers and has recently been identified as the fastest growing airport in the country.
According to the latest federal government aviation statistics Sunshine Coast Airport recorded the highest passenger growth of any Australian airport in July, up 18.9% on the same month last year.
That momentum has continued, with more than 458,000 passengers choosing to fly through Sunshine Coast Airport from July to September this year, 17% higher than the same quarter last year.
Sunshine Coast Airport’s CEO, Chris Mills said the increase is a strong vote of confidence in the region.
“It is very rewarding to be Australia’s fastest-growing airport.
“The results reflect the strong demand for the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination, and the dedication of our team, airline partners, the tourism industry and the wider community in making it a top choice for travellers.
“Passenger feedback indicates that travelers are choosing the Sunshine Coast not just for leisure, but increasingly for business purposes.” said Mr Mills.
The strong growth comes as the airport commences its $170m Terminal Redevelopment Project, which will expand the domestic departure lounge threefold, and introduce new technology such as self-check-in and automated bag drops.
The federal government’s Bureau of Transport and Infrastructure Research Economic Report – Aviation Statistics is released monthly, with a delay of two months to collect data and provide analysis to the aviation industry.
Aviation Statistics | Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics
Fast Facts:
- In July 2025 SCA welcomed more than 160,000 passengers compared with 135,000 in 2024.
- SCA is experiencing significant growth expecting to welcome more than 1.8M passengers in FY26 and 2.4M by 2030.
- SCA has more capacity in core markets of Sydney and Melbourne than any time in the airport’s history.
- Sydney and Melbourne markets account for 88% of all airline seats to/from Sunshine Coast Airport with around 240 flights a week during the holiday period for FY26.
- Terminal footprint will almost double, growing from 6,100m² to 11,750m².
- Domestic departure lounge will increase threefold, from 1,250m² to 3,750m².
- Departure gates will increase from 5 to 7 – a 40% boost in capacity.
- Check-in new technology: 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automatic bag drops.
- Sustainability features: mass timber, rainwater harvesting, expanded solar panels, energy-efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), climate-sensitive design.
Construction timeline: First stage underway, outbound baggage facility scheduled for completion in 2026, with full terminal expansion to be completed in 2027.
Ends.
For further information:
Contact: Sunshine Coast Airport Corporate Communications
(07) 5373 1901
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and one of Australia’s fastest growing airports. SCA directly connects the Sunshine Coast community to five domestic and international destinations (Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney) and is supported by five airlines (Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia). With more than 80 flights per week to Sydney and Melbourne, and convenient connections to Adelaide, Auckland and Cairns, SCA is the natural choice.
In July 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport was declared a Priority Development Area (PDA), with a new Development Scheme taking effect on Friday 27 September 2024. The Development Scheme will unlock opportunities that attract investment, drive economic growth and create jobs on and off airport. By 2040, it is estimated the airport will directly contribute $460m in total to Australia’s GDP. Jobs on airport are forecast to grow to 2,400 by 2040 and support a total of 3438 jobs (direct and indirect).
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.
