Perth Airport To Generate Thousands Of New Jobs And Contribute Billions Of Dollars To Australia’s Economy By 2046 With Bold Master Plan

Published on October 3, 2025

Perth Airport’s bold Master Plan is set to be a major catalyst for economic growth in Australia, projected to generate thousands of new jobs and contribute billions to the national economy by 2046. With a substantial infrastructure overhaul, including expanded terminals, new car parks, and a parallel runway, the plan forecasts a near threefold increase in employment, with jobs growing from 27,300 in 2024 to 75,400 by 2046. This expansion will span various sectors, from aviation to logistics, hospitality, and construction, boosting both local and national employment. The economic contribution of the airport is expected to rise from $6.2 billion to $17 billion, strengthening Australia’s global trade and travel connectivity. Additionally, the plan emphasizes sustainability, with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2032, ensuring that the airport’s growth is environmentally responsible. Through these transformative investments, Perth Airport is positioning itself as a key driver of economic prosperity for Australia, poised to play a central role in the country’s future development.

The Perth Airport Master Plan 2026 presents a forward-thinking blueprint aimed at bolstering Western Australia’s economic growth, centered on significant investments in infrastructure and the creation of thousands of new jobs over the next two decades. This bold vision outlines how Perth Airport will play a pivotal role in the region’s economic landscape, supporting both domestic and international trade, while providing opportunities for local businesses and workers alike.

One of the most striking features of the Master Plan is the projected growth in employment tied directly and indirectly to the airport. By 2024, approximately 27,300 jobs are associated with the airport. This number is expected to surge to 75,400 by 2046, marking a nearly threefold increase in employment. This expansion of the workforce reflects the growing importance of Perth Airport as a key economic driver in the region, creating diverse job opportunities across a variety of sectors such as logistics, hospitality, construction, and aviation services. The Master Plan projects that Perth Airport’s contribution to the state’s economy will grow from $6.2 billion in 2024 to a staggering $17 billion by 2046, highlighting the substantial role the airport will play in fostering economic prosperity.

In addition to the increase in jobs, the volume of air freight is also expected to see significant growth. The airport’s freight handling capacity is projected to nearly double, with the total air freight volume rising from 138,000 tonnes in 2024 to approximately 269,000 tonnes by 2046. This expansion reflects the broader trend of growing demand for both domestic and international shipping, as Perth Airport strengthens its position as a critical hub for freight movement in the region. As international trade continues to grow, Perth Airport’s expanded capacity will help meet the demands of a global economy, facilitating the transport of goods to and from key markets.

To support this growth, the Master Plan outlines a comprehensive suite of infrastructure upgrades. Among the most notable projects are the construction of two multi-storey car parks, which will significantly expand the airport’s parking capacity to accommodate increased passenger and employee traffic. These new car parks are expected to be complemented by the expansion of both the domestic and international terminals, which will improve the overall passenger experience and streamline airport operations. The addition of a 237-room hotel will further enhance the facilities available to travelers, providing convenient, high-quality accommodations for both business and leisure guests. Furthermore, a new parallel runway will be built, aimed at increasing the airport’s operational efficiency and capacity, helping to meet the rising demand for flights as passenger numbers grow.

Another key element of the Master Plan is the focus on expanding facilities for major airline operators, such as the Qantas Group. The plan includes dedicated spaces for these operators, designed to enhance their operations at Perth Airport. This expansion is not only critical for accommodating increasing flight frequencies but also for maintaining Perth’s status as a major aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. By providing state-of-the-art facilities for key airlines, the airport aims to strengthen its connectivity with key domestic and international destinations, further bolstering the local economy and job market.

Sustainability is a central focus in the development of the Perth Airport Master Plan 2026. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the airport has set a target to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2032. This ambitious goal aligns with the broader global push toward sustainability and carbon neutrality, and it will guide the planning and execution of all major infrastructure projects within the Master Plan. To meet this target, Perth Airport will implement a range of green technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring that new facilities and infrastructure are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. From the use of renewable energy sources to the integration of eco-friendly building materials, the Master Plan emphasizes a commitment to minimizing the airport’s environmental footprint as it expands.

In addition to reducing emissions, the Master Plan includes strategies for managing aircraft noise, ensuring that the expansion of the airport will not negatively impact nearby communities. These strategies may include advanced noise mitigation technologies and operational changes designed to reduce noise levels, especially during peak flight times. The plan also outlines methods for engaging with the local community about the airport’s future operations, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in decisions that may affect them.

Public participation plays a vital role in shaping the future of Perth Airport. As part of the planning process, the Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2026 is open for public comment for a period of 60 business days. This consultation process is designed to gather feedback from the community, local businesses, and other stakeholders. The public is encouraged to provide their input during this time, which will help refine the draft plan and ensure that the final version of the Master Plan reflects the needs and concerns of the community. To facilitate this process, a series of community engagement activities, including open days and public sessions, will be held until early December. These events will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed developments, ask questions, and share their thoughts with the project team. All feedback collected will be reviewed and considered as the final draft of the Master Plan is prepared for submission to the government in 2026.

Perth Airport’s bold Master Plan is set to generate thousands of new jobs and contribute billions to Australia’s economy by 2046 through major infrastructure upgrades, including expanded terminals and a parallel runway, which will drive growth in both passenger traffic and freight. These developments, alongside sustainability commitments, will strengthen global and national connectivity, boosting the economy and creating long-term employment opportunities.

the Perth Airport Master Plan 2026 offers a bold vision for the future of Western Australia, positioning the airport as a central driver of economic growth and job creation. Through major investments in infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement, the plan seeks to create a world-class airport that meets the needs of a growing population while minimizing environmental impacts. The projected growth in employment, freight capacity, and economic contribution is a testament to the vital role that Perth Airport will play in shaping the region’s future prosperity.