Doubts over future of Sydney Airport

While Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has approved Sydney Airport’s draft 20-year Master Plan, he has expressed doubt about its ability to cater for Sydney’s future needs and confirmed that a new airport will be built.

“Today I have approved Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport’s 2009 Master Plan,” Minister Albanese said, “but in doing so I note its long term forecasts are further evidence that Sydney will require new airport capacity.”

Sydney Airport Corporation plans to further develop the site in order to support Sydney's aviation activities. Already, the airport handles about a third of the nation’s air traffic, generates approximately $8 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 200,000 jobs.

Specifically, the Master Plan proposes to increase the proportion of the site used for aviation activities from 86 to 91 per cent; improve the taxiway system so aircraft can move around the site quickly and safely; expand freight handling facilities; and provide more gates at both the domestic and international terminals.

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