Sydney Airport has completed the expansion and upgrade of the departures level of the International Terminal.

Australia’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, marked the achievement at a plaque unveiling ceremony in the International Terminal Friday June 11.

Balding said that the upgrade of the International Terminal "provides a better travel experience" for the growing number of international travellers using Sydney Airport.

“The upgrade is part of a $1.7 billion investment that Sydney Airport has made since 2002 with about $700 million invested in just the last two years. Passengers will continue to benefit from ongoing investment, with a further $1.0 billion in planned capital expenditure over the next five years.

“Our aim is to provide travellers with an enhanced travel experience. It is a strategically important investment that will leave visitors with a positive and lasting impression of Sydney. Sydney is Australia’s most popular tourist destination and last year more than 10.6 million international passengers arrived and departed through Sydney Airport,” Balding said.

The completion of the work on the departures level is part of a $500 million investment in the International Terminal. Construction commenced in 2007 and has involved:

• Expanding the departures level by 7300sqm
• Opening a new outbound hall for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service closing two old halls.
• Building a new security screening area to undertake essential aviation security measures – closing two old areas.
• Creating the new Forum to provide more waiting areas and food, beverage and retail outlets for passengers (after Customs) including the largest duty free store in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Building a new landside food court to provide passengers, staff and visitors with greater range and more choice (before Customs).
• Refurbishing 30,000sqm of the existing departures level to provide upgraded gate lounges, waiting areas and more seating.
• Commissioning a new arrivals level baggage reclaim carousel for increased A380 capacity.

Sydney Airport says it is investing "to provide Sydney with the aviation infrastructure it needs".

The International Terminal is used by 37 international airlines flying to 46 destinations around the world. It was constructed in the 1960s and originally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1970.