Australia’s Sunshine Coast Airport is About to Blow Your Mind—Here’s How the New Upgrades Will Change Holiday Travel!
As the holiday season approaches, Sunshine Coast Airport is preparing for a significant increase in passenger demand, with a notable expansion in seat capacity for the upcoming 2025 Christmas and New Year period. This move is aimed at accommodating the rising number of travelers flocking to the region for festive getaways. With a 3.8 percent increasein daily seat capacity, the airport is ready to offer more travel options to ensure a smoother and more convenient holiday travel experience.
A Strong Response to Holiday Travel Demand
For the 2025 holiday season, Sunshine Coast Airport will offer a total average daily seat capacity of 6,400 seats, marking a significant rise compared to the previous year. The busiest days are expected to be December 19 and December 26, as families and tourists head to the Sunshine Coast for their holidays.
Chris Mills, CEO of Sunshine Coast Airport, explained that the increase in capacity is a direct response to the growing demand for travel during this time of year. Christmas is traditionally one of the most important travel periods for families, and the airport’s expansion aims to meet the heightened demand for flights during the festive season.
Mills noted that the increased seat capacity will give travelers more choices and convenience, making it easier for them to reach their favorite destinations. Airline partners at the airport have responded to the demand, ensuring that Sunshine Coast continues to be a desirable destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Key Airline Changes and Increased Capacity
This year, Qantas will introduce new A220 aircraft, adding eight additional flights per week. This will provide more options for passengers traveling to and from the Sunshine Coast, accommodating the growing number of travelers. Additionally, Virgin Airlines has ramped up its school holiday capacity, increasing its services by nearly 20 percentcompared to last year, ensuring that families can easily book flights during the peak travel period.
According to recent federal government statistics from September, the Melbourne to Sunshine Coast route recorded the highest load factor in the country, a clear indication of the region’s popularity. This strong demand further reinforces Sunshine Coast’s position as a key travel hub for both domestic and international tourists.
Looking Ahead: An Even Busier Future for Sunshine Coast Airport
The growth in demand for flights to Sunshine Coast is not expected to slow down anytime soon. Chris Mills highlighted that 2026 is set to be an even busier year, particularly with the introduction of Jetstar’s direct flights to Bali and Singapore. These new international routes will offer even more travel opportunities for passengers looking to explore destinations beyond Australia, cementing Sunshine Coast Airport as an important gateway for international travel.
With the steady growth in passenger numbers, the airport is experiencing a boom in capacity. In July 2025, the airport saw more than 160,000 passengers, a significant increase from 135,000 passengers in 2024. Looking further ahead, Sunshine Coast Airport expects to welcome more than 1.8 million passengers in fiscal year 2026 and 2.4 million by 2030. This expansion highlights the growing importance of the airport as both a domestic and international travel hub.
Major Infrastructure Improvements Underway
As part of the ongoing expansion efforts, Sunshine Coast Airport is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing demand for services. The terminal footprint will nearly double, expanding from 6,100 square meters to 11,750 square meters, providing significantly more space for travelers. The domestic departure lounge will also see a threefold increase in size, growing from 1,250 square meters to 3,750 square meters, creating a more comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.
The number of departure gates will rise from 5 to 7, providing a 40 percent boost in capacity. To enhance the passenger experience, 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automatic bag drops will be added, making check-in quicker and more efficient. These new features are designed to improve the overall flow of passengers, reducing wait times and creating a more seamless travel experience.
Sustainability Features: A Greener Future
In addition to expanding capacity, the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion project is focusing on sustainability. The terminal upgrades will include features such as mass timber construction, rainwater harvesting, and expanded solar panels to reduce the airport’s environmental footprint. New energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will also be implemented, ensuring that the facility operates in a more sustainable manner.
The terminal design will be climate-sensitive, reflecting Sunshine Coast’s commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure development. These upgrades will not only improve the airport’s functionality but also contribute to Australia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel practices.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers heading to the Sunshine Coast during the 2025 holiday season, the increase in seat capacity will provide more options and greater flexibility. With airlines offering additional flights and new international routes, passengers can expect a smoother, more efficient travel experience. The added infrastructure and terminal upgrades will ensure that the airport can handle the increased passenger numbers without compromising on comfort or convenience.
For those flying during the busy Christmas and New Year period, the airport’s improvements will make the overall travel experience more enjoyable. From the self-service kiosks to the larger departure lounge, these enhancements are designed to streamline the airport process, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying their holidays rather than dealing with delays or long lines.
The Future of Sunshine Coast Airport
With its continued investment in infrastructure and sustainability, Sunshine Coast Airport is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for both domestic and international travel. As new routes and additional flights come online, travelers will benefit from more travel choices, greater flexibility, and a more enjoyable experience.
As the airport continues to expand and modernize, it is clear that Sunshine Coast is becoming an increasingly important travel hub in Australia. For both local residents and international tourists, the airport’s growth will open up new opportunities for exploration, business, and leisure travel. The future of Sunshine Coast Airport is bright, and with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, it is set to play a key role in the region’s continued growth as a top destination for travelers.
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