AUSTRALIA. Brisbane Airport has marked a record-breaking centenary year in 2025 with 25 million passengers, up +5.3% year-on-year.
The airport achieved a trifecta of milestones during the year, recording its highest monthly traffic ever in December with 2.3 million travellers, and setting a new single-day peak on 20 December with 26,111 passengers – surpassing the previous record of 24,412 from January 2020.
In 2025, international passenger volumes rose +10.7%, with domestic travel up +3.2%.
The Domestic Terminal reached a new daily high of 64,015 passengers on 6 October, boosted by the Grand Final featuring the Brisbane Broncos.
December’s international traffic record was boosted by the return of Malaysia Airlines to Brisbane and Jetstar’s introduction of Australia’s only flight to Cebu, Philippines.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert‑Jan de Graaff said: “When Brisbane Airport is busy, Queensland is thriving. In 2025 we didn’t just break the daily record in the International Terminal which has stood since 2020, we smashed it.
“That kind of jump in passenger numbers demonstrates the momentum building at Brisbane Airport and mirrors the momentum building right across South East Queensland as the clock counts down to 2032.
“Our centenary year of 2025 will go down as the busiest year in Brisbane Airport’s history, with 25 million passengers travelling through our terminals.
“January 2026 has also started solidly, and February is shaping up to be strong as well, with Lunar New Year celebrations boosting passenger numbers and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Suncorp Stadium drawing in even more visitors.
“In December, we opened new security screening points in both the domestic and international terminals, and passengers are experiencing the convenience of being able to keep items like laptops in their bags.
“2026 will see even more transformation at the International Terminal, with passport control permanently relocating to the same level as check‑in and the new security screening area. New dining options will also open, and in 2027 a vastly expanded duty‑free store will welcome travellers.
“Beyond the terminals, we’ve seen crowds flock to Landers Pocket and the newly opened 4 Pines Brewery, with the airport precinct becoming a destination in itself. This year we’ll open an iconic new plane-spotting area to inspire the next generation of aviation workers.
“With 25,000 people currently working at Brisbane Airport, we know that number is set to swell by another 20,000 over the next couple of decades.” ✈
