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Brisbane is the latest airport to report a record financial year in 2026, with 25.2 million passengers passing through its terminals.
Numbers climbed by more than one million, or four per cent, on the previous financial year, with more than seven million international passengers – up 7.9 per cent – and 18 million domestic passengers, up 2.5 per cent.
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“The result underscores the momentum we’re seeing at Brisbane Airport, while also demonstrating the resilience of our aviation network,” said airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.
“More than 25 million passenger journeys were made through Brisbane Airport in the year to June, equivalent to nearly two Gabba-sized crowds passing through the airport every day.
“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.”
2025-26 was the first year international travellers through Brisbane surpassed seven million, with mainland China – up 51.1 per cent – emerging as the largest overseas market, while Singapore’s Changi Airport became the first to send more than a million passengers to Brisbane by itself.
According to de Graaff, what made the result “particularly pleasing” is the growth in international passenger numbers despite the impact of the Middle East conflict.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The news comes after Brisbane Airport’s new Master Plan was approved earlier this year.
The plan will set the course for the next two decades of development at Queensland’s largest international gateway, with demand tipped to increase dramatically, especially in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Additionally, Brisbane is continuing works on its major $5 billion Future BNE transformation program, which includes renovations to its domestic and international terminals, continued planning for a new Terminal 3 precinct, aircraft parking and apron expansions, runway resurfacing, and a new aeromedical facility.
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