Sunshine Coast Airport Redevelopment: What Could It Mean for Coolum and Mount Coolum?
Sunshine Coast Airport is entering another significant phase of growth, with a $170 million terminal redevelopment underway and the broader Gateway Precinct planned to support further commercial and economic development around the airport. For residents and property owners across Coolum Beach and Mount Coolum, the obvious question is: what could this mean for flightpaths and aircraft noise?
The current redevelopment is focused on expanding the terminal and increasing passenger capacity, rather than constructing another runway. The terminal footprint will almost double, with additional departure gates, upgraded baggage facilities and expanded retail and food and beverage offerings. Passenger numbers are forecast to exceed 1.8 million in 2026 and reach around 2.4 million by 2030, highlighting the growing demand for the airport.
It is important, however, to distinguish between airport growth and changes to flightpaths. The existing 2,450-metre Runway, commenced operations in 2020 and resulted in changes to the airport's arrival and departure flightpaths. Flightpaths are managed by Airservices Australia, rather than Sunshine Coast Airport.
Airservices has completed a Post Implementation Review of the current flightpath arrangements and is progressing recommendations relating to noise management, community information and potential operational improvements. While the current terminal redevelopment does not create a new flightpath over Coolum Beach or Mount Coolum, future changes to flightpaths cannot be completely ruled out.
For local homeowners, increased airport activity may mean more aircraft movements over time, particularly as passenger numbers and airline services continue to grow. However, aircraft movements vary depending on factors including wind direction, runway use, aircraft type and operating conditions.
For property owners, the airport's growth is therefore something to stay informed about rather than automatically view as a negative. The expansion is expected to bring improved connectivity, tourism, employment and investment to the region, while the impact of aircraft noise will continue to depend largely on a property's specific location in relation to existing and any future flightpaths.
As the airport redevelopment and broader planning progresses, information around construction, airport operations and potential future changes may continue to evolve. If you would like to stay informed, Sunshine Coast Airport offers a newsletter that you can subscribe to for the latest project updates and developments.
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