Brisbane Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Brisbane Airport is one of the busiest airports in Australia, serving as a gateway to the country's third-largest city. With ongoing construction works on the Domestic Terminal Security Upgrade Project and the International Terminal Security Upgrade and Retail Project, passengers may experience delays and changes in their travel experience. The airport recommends that passengers book parking in advance, check-in online, arrive well ahead of their flight, and prepare their carry-on baggage according to regulations to streamline security screening processes.

Construction works at the Domestic Terminal

Construction works are ongoing at the Domestic Terminal of Brisbane Airport as part of the Security Upgrade Project. These works have altered the way passengers travel through the terminal, with changes to check-in, bag drop, and security screening arrangements.

For Qantas and QantasLink passengers, check-in and bag drop remain unchanged, but they will need to use the new temporary northern security screening point. Jetstar passengers will use the new temporary check-in and bag drop facility on the northern (Qantas) side, before proceeding to the same northern security screening point.

Passengers travelling with Virgin Australia, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, or Aerlink, can only access check-in and bag drop via the Virgin area terminal entrances due to the central area closure. Checked-in passengers will use the temporary security screening point at the southern end of the terminal, accessed through the doors opposite baggage claim 7.

The public waiting area and over-height vehicle parking at the Domestic Terminal are currently closed due to the construction of the P2 Car Park Expansion, which will provide 1,700 additional parking spaces. Passengers with vehicles over 2.4m high must use AIRPARK, allowing extra travel time, while the first 30 minutes of ParkShort at level 2 of the P1 car park are free for those picking up passengers.

Changes for departing and arriving domestic passengers

Due to construction works, there are several changes that domestic passengers departing from Brisbane Airport should be aware of. These changes vary depending on the airline. Qantas and QantasLink passengers will continue to check in and drop off bags as normal, but they will need to use the new temporary northern security screening point. Jetstar passengers will use the new temporary check-in and bag drop facility on the northern (Qantas) side of the terminal, also in front of the Qantas entry. These passengers will then use the same temporary northern security screening point as Qantas and QantasLink passengers.

Virgin Australia, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, and Aerolink passengers can only use the Virgin area terminal entrances to access check-in and bag drop. Checked-in passengers from these airlines will use the temporary security screening point at the southern end of the terminal, which can be accessed via the doors opposite baggage claim 7.

For those being dropped off at the Pick-up and Drop-off road, it is recommended that Qantas and Jetstar passengers use Zones 1-3 at the beginning of the road. For Virgin Australia, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, and Link Airways passengers, it is recommended to use Zones 6-7 towards the end of the road.

For arriving domestic passengers, there are also changes to the baggage claim process. Qantas and Jetstar passengers will claim baggage on carousels 1-3 and should use the exits opposite Gate 23 or Gate 25. Virgin Australia, Alliance, Rex, National Jet Express, Aerolink, and Link Airways passengers will claim baggage on carousels 5-7 and should use the exit opposite Gate 39 due to a closure inside the terminal.

Runway maintenance

To maintain the safety of its runways, Brisbane Airport schedules runway maintenance once a month. The next runway maintenance dates are scheduled for January, February, and March 2025. During these maintenance periods, one runway will be closed while the other remains operational.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm, the Legacy Runway will undergo maintenance. The following day, Wednesday, January 15, from 10 am to 3:30 pm, maintenance will be performed on the New Parallel Runway. Similar maintenance schedules will continue on the first Wednesdays and Thursdays of February and March, with the relevant runways closed during those times.

These maintenance activities are subject to change due to weather conditions and operational requirements. For any queries about aircraft operations during these periods, passengers are advised to contact Airservices Australia's Noise Complaints and Information Service. For feedback or questions specifically about the runway maintenance, Brisbane Airport welcomes direct communication.

Prayer room closures

Brisbane Airport is undergoing construction works on its Domestic Terminal Security Upgrade Project, which has changed the way passengers travel through the airport. As a result, the prayer room at the Domestic Terminal is temporarily closed while the airport upgrades its amenities.

The prayer room at the International Terminal has been relocated to Level 3, after security, near gate 78. The airport apologises for any inconvenience and appreciates passengers' patience and understanding while they work to improve their facilities.

The airport recommends that passengers book parking in advance, check in online, arrive well ahead of their flight, and expect delays due to the ongoing construction.

For passengers with vehicles over 2.4m high, the usual parking spaces are closed, and they will need to use AIRPARK, with free buses to and from the terminal.

Traffic and parking

Firstly, it is advisable to book parking in advance, especially when travelling during busy periods. The airport provides options such as the P1 car park, where you can utilize the first 30 minutes for free if you're picking someone up from the Domestic Terminal. Additionally, with the ongoing construction works, the public waiting area and over-height vehicle parking space at the Domestic Terminal are currently closed. Passengers with vehicles over 2.4 meters high will need to use AIRPARK, which offers free shuttle buses to and from the terminal. It is recommended to allow extra time for travel when using this option.

To avoid parking challenges, consider getting dropped off or using alternative transportation. If you are being dropped off at the Domestic Terminal, specific zones are designated for different airlines to facilitate easier access. For Qantas and Jetstar passengers, Zones 1 (Light Blue) to Zone 3 (Dark Blue) at the beginning of the road are ideal. Meanwhile, passengers flying with Virgin Australia, Rex, Alliance, Link Airways, National Jet Express, or Link Airways are advised to use Zones 6 (Yellow) to Zone 7 (Green) towards the end of the road.

Construction works are also taking place at the airport, impacting the flow of traffic. The Domestic Terminal Security Upgrade Project and the P2 Car Park Expansion project are underway, aiming to enhance security and provide additional parking spaces, respectively. These projects may cause temporary changes to the usual routes and access points within the terminal. It is recommended to stay updated with the airport's construction progress and any resulting changes to traffic flow.

To ensure a smooth experience, it's advisable to arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight. Online check-in and advance preparation of carry-on baggage can also help streamline the process. By following these suggestions, you can effectively navigate the traffic and parking dynamics at Brisbane Airport.

Frequently asked questions