Adelaide Airport has moved into the next stage of its five‑year, A$600 million terminal expansion, with works now visible to passengers as the check-in hall build-out begins and construction ramps up at both ends of the terminal under the airport’s “Project Flight” program. The airport says 2025 is a pivotal year: the southern check‑in area is growing by more than 1,500 sqm—about five tennis courts—bringing a 25% increase in check‑in capacity and a full refresh of check‑in equipment to current technology.
Airport leaders point to record and rising passenger numbers as the driver for the multi‑year plan, which aims to set capacity and service levels for Adelaide’s 2050 aviation network vision. As part of works now underway, crews have started demolishing the old southern ramp to the elevated road to create space for the expanded check‑in hall. The airport has also relocated valet and chauffeured vehicle operations to maintain curbside flow while construction unfolds.
Project scope and timeline
The complete Project Flight program runs for five years and is delivered in phases to keep flights moving. Based on the airport’s August 2025 media release and corroborating industry and local business reports, the current and near‑term stages are:
- 2025 focus:
- Southern check-in hall expansion: +1,500+ sqm; +25% check‑in capacity; replacement of all check‑in equipment with modern systems.
- Security upgrades advancing toward completion: six passenger screening lanes already live; rollout of body scanners and 3D/CT x‑ray systems for both passengers and checked baggage, targeting end‑2025 completion for screening upgrades.
- Visible terminal works at both ends begin; demolition of the old southern ramp; valet/chauffeur operations relocated.
- Early 2026:
- Start of the northern terminal expansion of about 10,000 sqm, adding domestic lounges, aerobridges, and office space.
- Early 2027:
- Start of the southern terminal expansion of about 5,500 sqm, adding two new domestic and three new regional gates.
Across the program, the airport plans to deliver nine new aircraft parking positions. Terminal extensions are designed to support more gates and more comfortable gate lounges, especially for domestic and regional flyers once new aerobridges and lounge areas open.
Contractors, technology and design partners
Security and baggage screening investments are central to the 2025 work. Key suppliers and partners named by the airport include:
- Baggage screening systems: Smiths Detection
- Body scanners & CT x‑rays: Rapiscan
- Baggage hall and conveyor upgrades: Alstef
Design and construction partners:
- Design partners: Baukultur (terminal packages); Aurecon (lead design consultant on apron expansion)
- Head contractor on first apron build: Downer Transport & Infrastructure
- Refurbishment design (passenger experience): Woods Bagot
Industry coverage on 12 August 2025 confirms six screening lanes are already in service, and the airport is targeting end‑2025 for completion of screening upgrades. Local business reports on 7–8 August 2025 reaffirm the figures for both terminal ends, the 1,500+ sqm check‑in expansion, the 25% lift in check‑in capacity, and the nine new aircraft parking positions to roll out in phases.
For travelers who want to understand national screening rules behind the new technology, the Department of Home Affairs maintains an official guide to Australia’s aviation security settings, including screening standards and equipment requirements. See the Australian Government’s aviation security page: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/travel-and-transport/transport-security/aviation-security
What travelers should do in 2025
Adelaide Airport is signaling short‑term changes for the public during the build. Toward late 2025, the airport may operate temporary check‑in facilities to keep works moving, with advance guidance promised via the airport’s website, social media, and terminal signage. With the southern ramp removed, curbside access will be adjusted and valet/chauffeur locations have changed — so it’s smart to plan drop‑off and pick‑up carefully.
Passengers can reduce stress during construction by taking a few simple steps:
- Check your airline’s pre‑flight emails and the airport’s official channels for any change to your check‑in desk location, especially later in 2025 when temporary facilities may be in use.
- Arrive earlier than usual during peak periods to allow time for the updated screening process and any detours inside the check‑in hall.
- Follow terminal signage for the revised curbside flow, including the relocated valet and chauffeur operations near the southern end.
- Expect works at both ends of the terminal as the airport prepares for new aerobridges, domestic lounges, and future gate lounge areas.
- If you’re checking bags, be aware the baggage screening system is being upgraded in 2025, which can change how bags move through the hall.
- Keep an eye on parking updates. The airport has opened a new P2 outdoor car park near the multi‑storey car park, planned in advance of temporary reductions to long‑term spaces where construction is active.
Security checkpoints will look different as body scanners and CT/3D x‑ray machines are rolled out across the terminal. The airport says this can change how you prepare trays, but once fully in place these systems can help lines move steadily. Airport Industry News notes that six lanes are already active, with the full screening upgrade targeted by end‑2025.
Managing Director Brenton Cox has acknowledged that customers may face short‑term inconvenience as construction picks up. He emphasized the airport’s commitment to keep people informed and to limit disruption while these long‑term upgrades are delivered.
Benefits for airlines and passengers
The expansion plan is designed to support airlines and passenger growth:
- Added gates, extra aircraft parking positions, and extended terminal space to handle rising aircraft movements and peak‑time passenger flows.
- Domestic and regional services expected to see early benefits once additional aerobridges and gate lounge areas come online after early 2026 and early 2027 milestones.
- Staged delivery to maintain stable operations while adding capacity where demand is rising fastest — beginning with the check‑in hall and security upgrades in 2025, then larger terminal extensions in 2026–2027.
Analysts note this phased approach aligns with large hub builds. VisaVerge.com analysis says programs of this scale typically phase construction to keep operations stable while adding capacity.
Recent communications and next milestones
Official communications issued in August 2025 include:
- Social announcement on 7 Aug 2025: “This is: Project Flight”
- Detailed media release on 8 Aug 2025
- Industry coverage confirming security program progress on 12 Aug 2025
- Local business reporting on 7–8 Aug 2025 reinforcing core figures: 1,500+ sqm check‑in in 2025, 10,000 sqm northern start in early 2026, 5,500 sqm southern start in early 2027, and nine new aircraft parking positions across phases.
Key upcoming targets:
- End of 2025: Completion of screening upgrades; potential temporary check‑in facilities to keep construction on schedule.
- Early 2026: Start of northern expansion (domestic lounges and aerobridges).
- Early 2027: Start of southern expansion (two new domestic + three new regional gates).
Final note for travelers
Expect a busier terminal worksite through 2025. Follow official guidance for access and check‑in, and plan a little extra time when traveling.
The payoff, once the program runs its course, will be:
- More room at the front of house
- Modern screening systems
- Added gates and aircraft parking positions
- Increased capacity to serve South Australia’s growing travel demand
This Article in a Nutshell
Adelaide’s A$600 million Project Flight began visible 2025 works, expanding the southern check-in by 1,500+ sqm and upgrading screening. Phased 2026–2027 extensions will add gates, aerobridges and nine aircraft parking positions, aiming to serve Adelaide’s 2050 aviation vision while minimizing traveler disruption during construction.
