In January 2016, Queensland Airports Limited, on behalf of Townsville Airport Pty Ltd, received Ministerial approval, under the Airports Act 1996, to undertake significant development works on the federally leased land upon which Townsville Airport operates.

The works which were approved as a Major Development Plan (MDP) were extensive and included upgrades to existing facilities and the construction of new infrastructure.  

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and borders closed, passenger numbers at Townsville Airport dropped by more than 90 per cent. The resulting impacts to revenue were substantial and all capital expenditure was halted to safeguard the airport’s long-term viability.

The exceptional circumstances of the impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated public health restrictions, have made proceeding with the MDP works unviable for Townsville Airport Pty Ltd. As a result, Townsville Airport Pty Ltd, submitted a withdrawal notice to the Federal Government which was recently approved.

Despite this, Townsville Airport Pty Ltd remained committed to delivering a program of smaller upgrades to improve the terminal facilities.

The first project, with the support of a $9.15 million Federal Government grant, saw the security screening zone upgraded with state-of-the-art technology to make screening processes efficient and simple for passengers. Check-in facilities, retail spaces and landside amenities have also been refurbished to give them a fresh, modern-day look and feel. The next project, to be completed by the end of 2023, will be the relocation and upgrade of the escalators and lifts to improve passenger movement throughout the terminal.

Since upgrades began in September 2021, Townsville Airport, with the support of Federal Government grants, has invested ~$18m in future-proofing the airport, demonstrating its long-term commitment to providing a modern and welcoming gateway to North Queensland.  

‍