Council locks in $18mn Hervey Bay Airport terminal upgrade

By Andrew Curran.

Fraser Coast Regional Council will spend AUD18 million upgrading the Hervey Bay Airport (HVB) terminal to accommodate record passenger growth.

The first phase of construction is due to begin within the next few months, with the full project expected to be completed in early to mid-2028, weather and construction permitting.

“These are the first major upgrades to the terminal in more than 20 years, and they come at a critical time for the Fraser Coast,” said Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour.

Fast growing airport

Hervey Bay Airport, located roughly midway between Maroochydore/Sunshine Coast (MCY) and Bundaberg (BDB) airports on Queensland’s southern coast, is served by QantasLink and Jetstar.

QantasLink operates several daily flights from Brisbane (BNE) using DHC-8-Q400 aircraft, while Jetstar operates A320 services four to five times per week from Sydney (SYD) and four times per week from Melbourne (MEL).

More than 240,000 passengers passed through the airport in 2025 — a record number and 23% higher than pre-Covid-19 levels.

“This isn’t a short-term spike,” Seymour said. “We’ve now seen four consecutive years of increasing passenger numbers, with Hervey Bay Airport climbing 19 places in the national rankings to become the 24th busiest regional airport in Australia.

“This upgrade is about ensuring we have an airport terminal that can comfortably support increasing passenger numbers now and into the future, while also improving the overall travel experience.”

Hervey Bay terminal upgrade expected to be complete by mid-2028

The first phase of works will focus on external upgrades at the front of the terminal, including new awnings, improved pedestrian access, landscaping, drainage improvements, and new amenities.

The first phase is expected to take around six to seven months to complete.

The second phase of the project, expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, will focus on internal and airside improvements.

“The terminal departure lounge will be expanded, with seating capacity increasing from just under 300 to almost 500 following the upgrade,” Seymour added

“There will also be upgraded security screening, improved facilities for arriving passengers, enhancements to the Lady Elliot Island flights lounge area, and new airside arrival and departure ramps.”

The full project is expected to be completed in early to mid-2028.

The airport will remain operational throughout construction, with works staged around flight schedules and undertaken at night and on weekends where possible to minimise impacts on passengers, airlines, and airport operations.

Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com