AUSTRALIA. Brisbane Airport welcomed a record 25.2 million passengers in its financial year 2026 ended 30 June with more than one million additional travellers passing through its terminals.
The result reinforces Brisbane Airport’s position as Queensland’s primary gateway and highlights the strength and resilience of its domestic and international networks.
A total of 25,246,950 passengers travelled through Brisbane Airport during FY26, an increase of 1,017,009 travellers or +4.0% year-on-year.
The International Terminal welcomed 7,080,057 passengers, up +7.9%, while the Domestic Terminal served 18,166,893 passengers, a +2.5% increase.
Mainland China emerged as Brisbane Airport’s fastest-growing international demographic, as passenger numbers surged by 137,710 or +51.1% over the 12 months.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the stellar performance came as airlines continued to add capacity to BNE. “The result underscores the momentum we’re seeing at Brisbane Airport, while also demonstrating the resilience of our aviation network,” he commented.
“More than 25 million passenger journeys were made through Brisbane Airport in the year to June, equivalent to nearly two Gabba-sized crowds [a reference to Brisbane’s famed cricket stadium] passing through the airport every day.
“What makes this result particularly pleasing is that international passenger numbers grew despite global uncertainty and disruption in the Middle East during the second half of the financial year.
“While some traditional routes to Europe were impacted during that period, travellers continued to fly, with many choosing alternative connections through Asia to tick off their bucket lists.
“Over the past year we’ve welcomed the return of Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, adding our 35th direct international destination and giving Queenslanders even more choice when travelling overseas.
“Jetstar’s milestone of one million international passengers at Brisbane Airport highlights both the airline’s important role in connecting Queenslanders with the world and a strong appetite for affordable air travel.”
Brisbane Airport is investing A$5 billion (US$3.5 billion) over five years through its Future BNE program, delivering new aviation, terminal and commercial infrastructure to support Queensland’s growth and strengthen connectivity for decades to come. ✈
Brisbane bites: Twelve FY26 Aviation Highlights• Record 25.2 million passengers, up more than one million on FY25. • International passenger numbers surpassed seven million passengers for the first time, increasing +7.9% year-on-year. • Mainland China was Brisbane Airport’s fastest-growing international market, welcoming an additional 137,710 passengers, up +51.1% on the previous financial year. • More than one million passengers travelled to Brisbane via Singapore Changi Airport over the year, making the latter the first international airport gateway to reach that milestone. • Queensland’s connection with New Zealand continued to grow, with airlines operating more than two million seats between Brisbane and New Zealand across Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. • Malaysia Airlines restored direct links to Kuala Lumpur and unlocked stronger connections to Southeast Asia, India and Europe. • Virgin Australia recorded the largest increase of any international airline, adding more than 150,000 international passengers year-on-year. • Jetstar carried more than one million international passengers through the International Terminal for the first time, after adding new services to Cebu, Queenstown and Rarotonga. • Brisbane became the launch city for Qantas’ first international Airbus A220 services, with the next-generation aircraft debuting on routes to New Zealand, delivering a quieter, more comfortable and fuel-efficient travel experience • Qantas and Jetstar announced services between Brisbane and Western Sydney International Airport which are taking off soon, strengthening connectivity between two of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. • Queenslanders enjoyed direct access to 35 international destinations reflecting the continued growth and diversification of the airport’s international network, • Major sporting and holiday events continued to drive travel demand, with 84,265 passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport on 6 October 2025, the busiest day of FY26 following the NRL Grand Final and Queensland school holidays. “These results highlight the confidence airlines have in Queensland, the growing appeal of Brisbane as a destination, and the important role aviation plays in connecting people, supporting tourism and enabling economic growth across the state,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff De Graaff. |
