The New Parallel Runway Project

Planning for a western parallel runway commenced more than 20 years ago, even before Brisbane Airport moved to its current location in 1988. It was recognised then that as the capital city for a growing State, Brisbane would experience, over time, a level of passenger and freight demand that would give rise to the need for a new parallel runway.

What was envisaged over 20 years ago has now occurred. Queensland’s population is more than 4,000,000 and South East Queensland is estimated to grow by between 40,000 and 60,000 people per year to 2026.

South East Queensland is Australia’s fastest growing region, enjoying high employment and job creation rates, with strong trade and export results, while business confidence levels are well above the national average. This is clearly reflected in activity at Brisbane Airport, where the number of passengers has grown at record rates.

Brisbane Airport is one of the fastest growing capital city airports in Australia, with annual passenger numbers expected to reach more than 25.6 million by 2015 and around 50 million by 2035.

Since 2007 BAC began its $4.2 billion major infrastructure program. $680 million has already been spent in new roads and terminals, with the new parallel runway, Domestic Terminal expansion, car parks and other projects to be delivered over the next decade (one of Australia’s largest privately funded public infrastructure programs). Within the list of significant projects are new roads, upgrades to terminals, improvements to the existing runway system and the delivery of the New Parallel Runway.