Sunshine Coast Airport Visual Story

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1. Airport Construction and Changes

The Sunshine Coast Airport is currently undergoing a major redevelopment across both outdoor and indoor areas.  These works are expected to continue over an extended period, and the layout, walking paths, and passenger flow may change over time.
 
As you move through the airport, you may encounter temporary barriers, redirected walkways, and updated directional signage guiding movement between areas.  Construction activity may be present throughout the airport, including workers in high-visibility clothing, machinery, and service vehicles operating alongside regular passenger movement.
 
Noise levels may be higher than expected, with a combination of construction sounds, aircraft activity, and general passenger movement.  Some facilities, including amenities, may be temporarily relocated, and signage should be followed closely to locate these services.  You may need to allow additional time to navigate through the airport due to changing conditions and adjusted pathways.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Aircraft engine sounds
  2. Construction machinery noise
  3. Announcements over PA system
  4. Vehicle traffic noise
  5. Passenger conversations
Smell

Smells

  1. Asphalt and concrete scent
  2. Vehicle exhaust nearby
  3. Jet fumes
  4. Paint and construction odours
  5. Food and beverage aromas
Touch

Feel

  1. Orientation anxiety
  2. Tactile ground indicators
  3. Carpeted terminal floors
  4. Cool air from air conditioning
  5. Metal and plastic seating
Sight

Sight

  1. Blue line pathway markings
  2. Temporary construction barriers
  3. Signage for departures and toilets
  4. Retractable belt queue barriers
  5. Construction workers in bright clothing

2. Drop Off and Short Term Parking

This area sits at the airport entry where passengers are dropped off and move from short term parking toward the departures terminal. During the current airport upgrade, road layouts, pedestrian paths, and signage may change, and temporary directions may guide people to the terminal and outdoor amenities.
 
The zone includes bitumen roads, concrete footpaths, tactile paving, zebra crossings, bollards, and a covered walkway with white steel columns. Accessible car parking spaces are marked near the terminal. Portable toilet buildings are located outside the departures hall and include ramp access, handrails, and an accessible bathroom. Construction barriers, fencing, and signs separate pedestrian and vehicle movement.
 
This area is used for drop-off, pick-up, and movement to check-in. Activity levels may be high. You may hear traffic, luggage wheels, aircraft, and construction equipment. Smells may include aviation fuel, vehicle exhaust, and construction materials.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Construction noise from site
  2. Trucks moving nearby
  3. Airplanes taking off
  4. Passenger drop-off activity
  5. Bus stop announcements
Smell

Smells

  1. Aviation fuel smell
  2. Fresh outdoor air
  3. Occasional vehicle exhaust
  4. Construction materials odour
  5. Plant and tree scent
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth concrete pathways
  2. Tactile paving underfoot
  3. Metal handrails on ramps
  4. Warm sun on exposed areas
  5. Cool shade under canopy
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright orange construction barriers
  2. Blue and white directional signs
  3. Accessible parking markings
  4. Temporary portable toilet unit
  5. Palm trees and planted hedges

3. Long Term and Covered Parking

This area includes the long term and covered car parks, located a short walk from the terminal. From here, you move toward the airport along wide pedestrian pathways and zebra crossings, following directional signage that may include updated routes due to ongoing construction works.
 
The car parks include open-air areas and covered sections with white shade sail structures supported by steel frames. Surfaces include bitumen for vehicles and concrete pathways with tactile tiles for pedestrian movement. Accessible car parking spaces are marked with adjacent striped zones. Pathways are mostly step-free, with some unevenness where surfaces change. Zebra crossings and bollards separate pedestrian and vehicle movement. Lighting towers and signage provide orientation and visibility.
 
This area is used for parking and walking to the terminal. Activity levels may vary. You may hear cars moving, luggage rolling, and construction noise in the distance. Smells may include vehicle exhaust and aviation fuel.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Luggage rolling on concrete
  2. Cars moving on bitumen
  3. Crunching of bitumen underfoot
  4. Distant construction noise
  5. Occasional vehicle engine sounds
Smell

Smells

  1. Aviation gas smell nearby
  2. Faint vehicle exhaust
  3. Fresh outdoor air
  4. Grass and foliage scent
  5. Occasional fuel or oil smell
Touch

Feel

  1. Flat concrete pathways
  2. Tactile tiles with bumps
  3. Slight unevenness on tiles
  4. Smooth bitumen surface
  5. Shade from sail structures
Sight

Sight

  1. White and red zebra crossings
  2. Purple and blue parking signs
  3. Yellow striped no-parking zones
  4. White steel shade sails
  5. Black metal fencing and gates

4. Bag Drop and Check In

Access into the Departures Terminal for check in and bag drop is through automatic sliding glass doors. During ongoing construction, entry points and movement paths may change, with signage guiding passengers to counters and relocated amenities.
 
A covered walkway with concrete surfaces and tactile indicators leads into an indoor area with carpeted flooring. Check-in counters are arranged with queue barriers. Seating is positioned along walls, with vending machines nearby and trolley return points near the entrance. Temporary barriers, boarded sections, and bright signage redirect movement. Toilets, including accessible facilities, are located outside and are reached by following signage.
 
Activity levels may be high and large numbers of passengers standing in queue. You may hear announcements, fans, people talking, and construction equipment.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Construction equipment noise
  2. Announcements indoors
  3. Fans operating overhead
  4. Footsteps on concrete
  5. People queuing and talking
Smell

Smells

  1. Paint and fume odours possible
  2. Indoor air conditioning scent
  3. Tea and coffee aromas possible
  4. Possible vehicle exhaust nearby
  5. No strong odours detected
Touch

Feel

  1. Concrete and carpet flooring
  2. Tactile ground surface indicators
  3. Covered outdoor walkway
  4. Automatic sliding doors
  5. Cool air from indoor ventilation
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright directional signage
  2. Construction barriers and boarding
  3. Check-in counters with queue lines
  4. Vending machines near entrance
  5. Seating along walls indoors

5. Security Screening

Access to security screening is through a semi-covered walkway marked by yellow “Departures” signage and automatic sliding glass doors. This path connects the check-in area to screening, with signage guiding passengers to prepare for security. Movement paths may be adjusted during ongoing construction.
 
The walkway has tiled flooring with light and dark square patterns and is covered by a roof supported by columns. Glass walls on one side allow light and airflow, with plants, garden beds, and bench seating along the path. Inside the screening area, queue barriers form lines leading to metal detector arches and conveyor belts. Large ceiling fans and overhead lighting are present.
 
Passengers move through this zone to complete security checks. Activity levels may be high, with queues forming. You may hear fans, staff instructions, beeping scanners, and luggage moving on belts.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Large fan noise
  2. Beeping from x-ray machines
  3. Buzzing of security scanners
  4. Clunking of luggage
  5. Voices of security staff
Smell

Smells

  1. Gardens and plants
  2. Clean indoor air
  3. Possible hand sanitiser smell
  4. Fresh air outside
  5. No strong odours
Touch

Feel

  1. Cool breeze through walkway
  2. Smooth tiled floor
  3. Hard metal bench seating
  4. Close proximity to others
  5. Air conditioning inside
Sight

Sight

  1. Yellow archway entrance
  2. Glass sliding doors
  3. Tiled floor pattern
  4. Green plants and sculptures
  5. Security queuing barriers

6. Main Departure Hall

This central meeting area is located after security screening and connects to departure gates, seating, and food outlets. Overhead signage directs passengers to gates, toilets, and services. Movement flows along tiled pathways between seating and service areas, and access is step-free throughout.

The space has a high ceiling with exposed beams and natural light. Flooring is tiled, with seating including lounge chairs, tables, and high stools. Food and beverage outlets, a bar, and retail points sit along the edges. Waste and recycling bins are placed near seating areas. Toilets nearby include step-free entry, grab rails, and baby change facilities. Some seating areas may be reduced or adjusted during ongoing construction.
 
Passengers use this area for waiting, eating, and preparing to board. Activity levels may be high. You may hear people talking, announcements, and construction noise. Smells may include food, coffee, and cleaning products.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. People talking nearby
  2. Construction equipment noise
  3. Footsteps on tiled floor
  4. Background bar and café sounds
  5. Announcements may be heard
Smell

Smells

  1. Food aromas from cafés
  2. Coffee scent near bar
  3. Cleaning products - mild
  4. Bathroom odours - occasional
  5. Air conditioning
Touch

Feel

  1. Cool tiled floor underfoot
  2. Smooth metal chair frames
  3. Hard wooden chair seats
  4. Hungry and thirsty
  5. Smooth countertop surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. High ceiling with metal beams
  2. Beige and dark patterned tiles
  3. Black lounge and wooden café chairs
  4. Digital flight information screens
  5. Signage for gates and toilets

7. Departure Gates

This Departure Gates extend from the main departure hall to the aircraft, connecting the terminal to the tarmac through temporary gate structures. Access is through automatic sliding glass doors, where passengers move from the main hall into the boarding area when their flight is called.
 
The departure gates continue from the terminal with carpeted flooring, air conditioning, and lighting, but is built with a metal frame and fabric or vinyl wall and ceiling finishes. Flooring may feel less solid underfoot and may produce slight movement or creaking sounds. Seating is arranged in rows with clear pathways and queue barriers leading to boarding doors. Step-free access is provided through ramps and wide aisles.
 
Passengers may wait here before boarding, though many remain in the main terminal until boarding is announced. Activity levels may increase quickly as queues form. You may hear announcements, air conditioning, people talking, and aircraft engines outside.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Air conditioning vents humming
  2. Jet engines audible outside
  3. Announcements over AV system
  4. People queuing and talking
  5. Squeaking of carpeted tiles
Smell

Smells

  1. Mild air conditioning scent
  2. Fresh air near garden bed
  3. Aviation fuel smell possible
  4. Food and drink aromas
  5. No strong or unusual smells
Touch

Feel

  1. Carpeted floor with slight give
  2. Cool air from air conditioning
  3. Smooth metal handrails
  4. Soft fabric roof overhead
  5. Concrete ramp surface outside
Sight

Sight

  1. White fabric roof with metal frame
  2. Colourful wall panels
  3. Rows of black metal seating
  4. Clear aisle markings on carpet
  5. Vending machines near seating

8. Tarmac and Boarding

Boarding at Sunshine Coast Airport takes place on an open-air tarmac, where passengers walk at ground level from the terminal to the aircraft. This differs from enclosed airbridges, as all boarding and disembarking occurs outdoors along marked pedestrian paths.
 
The surface is asphalt with painted lines, arrows, and zebra crossings guiding movement. Concrete barriers and safety barricades separate pedestrian routes from vehicles and aircraft areas. Boarding occurs via covered AVI ramps with handrails or mobile stairs. Ground staff are present to guide passengers and maintain movement within designated pathways between the terminal and aircraft.
 
Passengers use this area to board and disembark aircraft. Activity levels may increase during boarding. You may hear jet engines and ground vehicles. Smells may include aviation fuel. Exposure to sun, wind, or rain may occur.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Jet engines running
  2. Ground service vehicles
  3. Footsteps on asphalt
  4. Directions from ground staff
  5. Occasional vehicle horns
Smell

Smells

  1. Aviation fuel
  2. Rubber from tyres
  3. Diesel exhaust
  4. Fresh outdoor air
  5. Bitumen and concrete
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth asphalt underfoot
  2. Metal handrails
  3. Cool concrete barriers
  4. Open air exposure
  5. Excitement and anticipation
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright orange barricades
  2. White zebra crossings
  3. People boarding aircraft
  4. Temporary tent structure
  5. Aircraft being loaded with bags

9. Baggage Collection

After leaving the aircraft and crossing the tarmac, passengers enter the terminal and move toward the baggage collection area by following exit and baggage signage. Access is through automatic doors into an enclosed space where luggage is collected before exiting the airport.

The baggage claim area features a ceiling with bright, downlights and large fans. There are two mechanical baggage carousels with black rubber edges. The floor is carpeted with patterned blue and green carpet, except for tiled areas near entrances and amenities. Seating is provided with rows of metal-framed chairs with black seats and armrests. Walls are white with large illuminated advertising panels. The space includes a barista coffee area with tiled flooring and a seating area with high chairs and tables.

There is also an accessible unisex bathroom which is equipped with grab rails. A parent's room includes a microwave, sink, and seating. The exit leads to an outdoor area with step-free concrete pathways and tactile ground surface indicators. Signage is clear with exit signs and directions to transport and parking.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Mechanical carousel noise
  2. Clunking of luggage
  3. Fans operating overhead
  4. Directions from volunteers
  5. Occasional announcements
Smell

Smells

  1. Coffee and tea aroma
  2. Cleaning products - mild
  3. Bathroom odours - occasional
  4. Occasional outdoor fresh air
  5. Neutral indoor air
Touch

Feel

  1. Cool air from fans
  2. Smooth tiled floors
  3. Soft carpet underfoot
  4. Metal armrests on chairs
  5. Smooth stainless steel fixtures
Sight

Sight

  1. Two baggage carousels
  2. Rows of black seating
  3. Large ceiling fans
  4. Bright advertising panels
  5. People queuing for bathrooms

10. Hire Car and Taxi Rank

After exiting baggage collection, follow the blue line marked on the ground to reach the taxi rank and car hire area. The path leads out of the terminal across a zebra crossing and then turns left, continuing along a step-free walkway toward transport services.
 
The pathway is concrete with tactile indicators and a continuous blue line for guidance. Zebra crossings with marked lines and signage provide safe road crossing points. The taxi rank includes a covered waiting area with seating. The car hire facility is a low-set building with timber decking, step-free entry, and handrails. Toilets within this area include step-free access and grab rails. Fencing, trees, and lighting line the route.
 
Passengers use this area to access taxis and hire vehicles. Activity levels may vary. You may hear traffic and people moving nearby. Smells may include outdoor air, vehicle exhaust and jet fumes.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Vehicle engines running
  2. Footsteps on concrete
  3. Occasional car doors closing
  4. Distant traffic noise
  5. Occasional announcements
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh outdoor air
  2. Mild car exhaust
  3. Occasional aviation fuel smell
  4. Bathroom odours possible
  5. Occasional food aromas from café
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth concrete underfoot
  2. Cool shade under canopy
  3. Warm timber decking surface
  4. Light breeze through trees
  5. Metal handrails to touch
Sight

Sight

  1. Blue line guiding pathway
  2. Zebra crossings on road
  3. Brown timber decking
  4. Festoon lights overhead
  5. People queuing for car hire
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