Brisbane Airport to get biggest revamp in almost 30 years

Brisbane Airport is undergoing its biggest transformation since it opened almost 30 years ago, with a revamp of the international terminal set to revolutionise passenger experience.

The redesign will shift passport check-in and security up to level four and improve screening procedures, meaning passengers will be able to reach their flights faster.

"It allows people to check in and drop their bags at the same level as where they go through security and the passport control, which is obviously intuitively a much better experience," Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said.

READ MORE: House prices have fallen in a third of suburbs. Here's where they fell most

New high-tech scanners will also allow passengers to leave loose items like laptops in their bags and have them scanned through security in their carry-on.

One of the biggest changes for international travellers is the introduction of self-service kiosks to reduce queueing.

Passengers can still opt for an agent led check-in if they wish.

Duty-free will also double in size and there will be new food, beverage and retail outlets.

READ MORE: Whooping cough cases peak, prompting urgent warnings to vaccinate

And the entire departure lounge will undergo a makeover, with rocks used in the original terminal re-purposed in the new lounge benchtops and furniture.

The renovations will allow for future terminal expansions and eventually extra flights.

"We would love to have a direct flight established between Brisbane and India into south-east Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand – direct connections with those," de Graaff said.

Works are due to start within a month and be completed by 2027. Crews will work in incremental steps to reduce the impact on passengers.