Perth Airport’s Bold Vision Takes Western Australia Sky High

Perth Airport has unveiled an ambitious 20-year vision that will redefine how Western Australians and international travellers experience air travel. The newly released Perth Airport Master Plan 2026 sets out a multi-billion dollar roadmap to transform the airport into a central economic powerhouse capable of welcoming more than 30 million passengers annually by 2046.

At the heart of this masterplan is a $3 billion investment in major infrastructure projects designed to ease current bottlenecks, streamline connectivity, and prepare for the region’s booming growth. Among the highlights are a new three-kilometre parallel runway, set to open in 2028, and a consolidated central terminal precinct that will bring all airlines under one roof. This major shift will finally end the long-standing divide between Qantas’ western-side operations and the main terminal on the east, creating a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.

The expansion includes a new domestic terminal located east of the expanded Terminal 1 International building, further upgrades to Terminal 2, new multi-storey car parks, road network improvements, and a 237-room hotel to be managed by Accor. Together, these projects form part of the largest private infrastructure investment in Perth’s history, setting the stage for a new era of connectivity and economic growth.

Beyond improving the traveller experience, the transformation is poised to deliver enormous benefits for Western Australia’s economy. Over the next two decades, passenger numbers are forecast to almost double from 16 million to 30.8 million, while employment supported by the airport will surge from 27,300 to an estimated 75,400 direct and indirect jobs. The ripple effect will be felt across tourism, construction, logistics, and many other sectors that rely on efficient and modern air travel infrastructure.

The timing could not be more critical. Perth Airport currently faces significant capacity challenges, with flight delays nearly doubling in recent years. Without expansion, projections indicate that by 2035, average departures could face 30-minute delays during peak periods as runways reach full capacity for up to twelve hours a day. The new runway and terminal consolidation directly address these pressures, ensuring that Perth can meet the needs of a rapidly growing state and maintain its competitiveness as a gateway to the world.

Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters summed up the vision with optimism:
“When Perth Airport grows, the Western Australian economy grows. We have begun work on the largest private investment in Perth’s history, a once-in-a-generation construction program that will completely change the face of Perth Airport and take Western Australia into the future.”

This forward-thinking plan represents far more than an airport upgrade. It is a statement of intent for Western Australia’s future, connecting people, industries, and opportunities while ensuring the state continues to soar on both national and global stages.