Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Preliminary Draft 2026 Master Plan
An airport Master Plan is a statutory document required every five years that provides a blueprint for airport development for a 20-year period, with an emphasis on the immediate five years.
It outlines the land use planning and development intent for an airport site and is a requirement of the Airports Act 1996 under which all federally-leased airports operate.
Airport Master Plans are designed to provide clear direction for the growth and development of Australia’s major aviation gateways. They help to ensure that vital aviation infrastructure is delivered when and where it is needed, while maximising the significant economic, social and environmental benefits that well-planned airports can deliver.
While the Preliminary Draft Master Plan is subject to a public comment, assessment and approval process, it does not mean that all plans outlined within it are approved. Individual projects remain subject to separate Commonwealth planning and statutory approval processes.
The Airports Act 1996 stipulates the public comment and assessment periods for master plans:
Public comment period on Preliminary Draft Master Plan | 60 business days |
Assessment of Preliminary Draft Master Plan | 50 business days |
Publication of approved final plan/strategy or variation | 50 business days |
A business day is defined in the Airports Act as being a day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday, or a public holiday
Feedback can be provided in one of three ways -
Online at https://www.bne.com.au/masterplan
Email directly to masterplan@bne.com.au
Via post to
Brisbane Airport Corporation
Reply Paid 87847
Hamilton Central QLD 4007
It’s a requirement that for the feedback submitted during the Public Comment Period, includes your name, and postal or email address as part of the submission.
Brisbane Airport Corporation operates under a Privacy Policy, and as part of the Master Plan approval process we are required to share a submitter’s details (and a copy of the submission) as part of our Master Plan submission package to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government in early 2026.
The Preliminary Draft 2026 Master Plan provides an overview of future developments between now and 2046, with an emphasis on 2026-2031. It will include an Aviation Plan, planning for aircraft noise, Airport Safeguarding, a Ground Transport Plan, an overview of BAC’s Sustainability Strategy including plans for decarbonisation and climate adaptation, and the Airport Environment Strategy.
Content of an airport master plan is guided by the Airports Act.
The Preliminary Draft 2026 Master Plan is substantially the same as the 2020 Master Plan. The main differences in the Preliminary Draft 2026 Master Plan include:
1. A revised pathway for terminal development including upgrades to the existing passenger terminals and the staged development of a third terminal over the coming 20 years.
2. Outlining the framework of BAC’s decarbonisation and climate adaptation plans
3. An updated Australian Noise Exposure Forecast to more closely reflect operations since the opening of the western runway.