Brisbane Airport to build two new hotels ahead of 2032 Olympics
Image: Queensland Government
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has announced plans to develop two new hotels within the airport precinct before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, as demand for on-site accommodation continues to outstrip supply. The airport is seeking major hotel operators to submit proposals for management agreements across both new properties.
The first property, slated for a four- or five-star rating, will be adjacent to the international terminal and the Australian Federal Police building, positioning it as a premium option for international travellers and transit passengers. The second, a three-star offering, will be developed at Skygate and integrated with the DFO shopping precinct and the expansive 16-hectare Lander's Pocket entertainment hub.
The two new hotels will complement the existing Pullman, Ibis and Novotel properties already operating within the precinct — all of which are running at near-full capacity throughout the year.
BAC Executive General Manager (Commercial) Scott Norris told The Courier Mail the commercial case was clear-cut. "Location is everything, and it doesn't get more connected than being at the front door of Queensland's busiest gateway," he said. "Brisbane Airport's three current airport hotels are consistently at capacity, so there is no doubt there is demand for additional hotel rooms."
Norris expressed confidence the airport could sustain five hotels, pointing to Brisbane's need for thousands of additional rooms before hosting the Games. He highlighted the airport's connectivity as a key drawcard for prospective operators.
"Brisbane Airport links to more domestic destinations than anywhere else in Australia, allowing operators to tap into built-in, year-round demand that provides long-term value," he told The Courier Mail.
Last year, Brisbane Airport recorded its highest-ever throughput, with 25 million passengers moving through its domestic and international terminals. Transit traffic is a consistent contributor to hotel demand, with Norris noting that "every night there are hundreds of people transiting through Brisbane Airport before making connections across the state, or around the world," according to The Courier Mail.
JLL Hotels and Hospitality has been appointed to manage the operator selection process, with proposals due by May 15. Pricing, design and construction timelines will be confirmed following consultation with shortlisted operators.
Jonathan Jackson, 14th April 2026
