Brisbane International Airport Turns 30

This September, Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal celebrates 30 years of connecting Queensland to the world. Since it opened in 1995, 118 million travellers have passed through the terminal, making it one of Australia’s key international gateways.

When the terminal opened 30 years ago, it set a new standard for international travel in Brisbane. Eight aerobridges gave passengers seamless boarding. The building featured 42,000 square metres of profiled steel decking and 55 hectares of landscaped gardens, a nod to Queensland’s tropical beauty.

BVN Practice Director Geoff Hehir proudly reflects on the project he helped shape. "When we set about designing the entry to Brisbane our goal was to create a space that was timeless, flexible and memorable that was at the same time international in character and reflective of the Brisbane and Queensland quality of light, colour and vegetation," says Geoff. "30 years on, we are seeing the building accommodate change to the way we all travel without losing its original character and quality."

Efficient in its planning and generous in its spatial quality, the architecture captures Brisbane's sun-drenched and relaxed character. Brisbane Airport's International Terminal stands out among BVN's infrastructure projects, continuing a design lineage that connects strongly to climate and context.