Airport expansion plan Masterplan flags 3000 jobs will be needed by 2037

DARWIN airport will need a terminal expansion if it is going to keep up with the expected growth in the number of passengers.

According to the newly released masterplan, “the projected annual passenger demand in 2037 for the terminal is close to six million passengers”. The number of jobs to meet this demand may increase to 3000 over the same period.

Just over two million people use the airport annually now generating around 1800 jobs.

“Terminal growth beyond 2017 will be accommodated by expanding the existing terminal within the Terminal and Facilities Zone,” the masterplan outlined.

“As with the 2010 Master Plan, it is envisaged that DIA will continue to operate a single terminal that handles both domestic and international passenger movements.”

According to the master- plan, any expansions to the terminal would be to the west of the current terminal.

“There is opportunity for some additional expansion to the east, as needed,” the masterplan stated.

“A terminal pier will be developed if required, positioned to the west. The provision of additional aerobridges to connect the terminal to active (contact) aircraft stands will be considered as both the airfield and terminal building continue to develop and grow, and will be assessed on an as-needs basis.

“Key areas that will drive the future expansion of the terminal will be baggage makeup, baggage claim, and to some extent the domestic departure lounge and retail requirements.”

Other extensions could include new domestic processing areas including check-in and departure lounges, deepening the terminal to about 80m and increasing the international arrivals and departures processing areas.

As part of the growth of the airport, a need for a multi-level car park was also outlined.

Darwin airport chief executive Ian Kew said the airport was “strategically important to the growth and development of the Northern Territory’s tourism, trade, business and leisure activity. “The airport is a key economic contributor for the region,” he said.

“Airport activities currently supports 1800 workers, which is 1.3 per cent of the Territory’s workforce.

“We anticipate that over the next twenty years the number of passengers passing through Darwin Airport each year could increase from 2.2 million to 6 million.

“Given the anticipated increase in passenger numbers, the number of jobs supported by airport businesses could rise to 3000 by 2037.”