Pop up theatre, live music, wildlife presentations, indigenous performances and stilt walkers – Gold Coast Airport is gearing up to provide a unique entertainment experience to thousands of Commonwealth Games athletes, officials and spectators as they arrive and depart the city for the biggest sporting event in its history.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the airport wanted passengers to know they had arrived at the home of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as soon as they stepped off the plane.

“First and last impressions count – and for thousands of people from across Australia and around the world, the airport will be their first and last impression of the city,” Ms Charlton said.

“We know that for our peak arrivals and departures periods during the Games, the number of passengers will be similar to Christmas and New Year, so our entertainment and activations are our way of enhancing the experience for passengers during a very busy time.”

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting animal presentations at the airport throughout Games time.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Michael Kelly said the sanctuary was delighted to be welcoming visitors to the Gold Coast.

“This is the most beautiful city in the world – where you can meet our native wildlife just minutes from some of our world famous surf beaches,” Mr Kelly said.

“We can’t wait to share Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with our Games visitors and be part of this great international event.

“We have so much diversity here on the Coast and we are proud to be able to showcase it to those lucky enough to be travelling here for the Games.”

Ms Charlton said a number of improvements had been made to the terminal in the lead-up to the Games.

“We’ve introduced self-check-in and bag-drop facilities which have reduced queuing and processing from up to 45 minutes down to an average time of a few minutes,” Ms Charlton said.

“Our apron is currently being expanded to facilitate parking for up to four additional domestic aircraft, and we will be able to use this parking space if required during Games time.

“Games athletes, officials and accredited media will also have use of a dedicated, purpose-built lounge that will give them a private space to relax before and after their flights as well as ease congestion in the terminal.”

The terminal will also be decorated with GC2018 posters and flags, adding to the Games imagery that is already in place.

Bleach* Festival has incorporated an airport-exclusive production, The Welcome Party, in its festival program which runs in tandem with the Games.

There will also be traditional and contemporary indigenous performances, roving music from Blue Poppy, stilt walkers, an appearance from GC2018 mascot Borobi and live music from local performers Michael Eotvos, Sarah Archer, Chris Hutchison, Emma Lancaster and Matty Ross.

Gold Coast Airport is an Official Airport of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.