Project Contact
David Holm
Andy Medhurst
Anthony Kim
Blake Corry
Chris Collignon
Claudio Porley
Daniel Phillips
Julius Egan
Konrad Grabczuk
Nazmul Khan
Rikky Falantino
Winsom Lim
Zachary Karantonis
Zoe Newman
Allan Follet
Claudio Aravena Mesías
Cristian Gonzalez Diaz
Daniela Alcerreca
Ivana Yaco
Kate Macdonald
Matthew Findlay
Meaghan Hutchins
Timothy McCarthy
ZamZam Sammir
Newcastle Airport Terminal Expansion
Newcastle, New South Wales
Newcastle Airport terminal upgrade: A gateway to the Hunter’s future
COX Architecture has designed and delivered Newcastle Airport’s Capacity Enhancement Project, transforming the terminal into a civic gateway that connects the Hunter region to the world.
With a remit spanning architecture, interior design, and signage and wayfinding, our design supports the expansion of the airport, preparing it for international services and rising passenger demand. The master plan considered every aspect of the airport experience, from passenger approaches to car parking and airside infrastructure, ensuring a cohesive design vision.
COX Director, David Holm
Airports are civic gateways that connect local communities with global ones. At Newcastle, our design embodies the identity of the Hunter, creating a terminal that is inclusive and ready for international connection. It’s a place the community can recognise and feel proud to call their own.
The upgrade enhances efficiency and elevates the user experience with an intuitive terminal layout, generous circulation spaces and a premium covered car park featuring EV charging stations and a solar canopy with 1,235 integrated panels. Purpose-built for wide-bodied aircraft and direct international flights, the terminal positions Newcastle as a true gateway for the Hunter region—supporting tourism, economic growth, and global connectivity.
A design grounded in place
The terminal reflects the identity of the Hunter through confident structural forms and a material palette inspired by beaches, hinterland, and sand dunes. Consultation with the Worimi and Awabakal people enriched the design with cultural storytelling, embedding local narratives into the building fabric. The result is a space that feels grounded, inclusive, and distinctly regional.
Sustainability and experience
The project prioritises sustainability and comfort, delivering modern interiors, seamless wayfinding, and energy-efficient systems that create a welcoming, future-ready environment for travellers.
Completion of the project marks a new chapter for Newcastle Airport, elevating it from a regional hub to an international gateway and reinforcing the Hunter’s role on the global stage.
Key design features:
- Expanded terminal layout: intuitive circulation and wayfinding for a seamless passenger experience.
- Structural clarity: confident architectural forms that create a strong civic presence.
- Material palette: inspired by the Hunter’s beaches and hinterland for a sense of place.
- Solar integration: 1,235 solar panels incorporated into the car park canopy.
- International capability: purpose-built to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft and direct international flights, including its first aerobridge.
- Hospitality touchpoints: enhanced amenities for travellers and visitors.
- Sustainability features: energy-efficient systems and design strategies aligned with environmental goals.
