It added in a surprise media release that travel to Brisbane is also possible “if you obtain permission from the Queensland government”.

Chief executive Stephen Byron said, “Canberra has not had any COVID for 17 days. And Queensland and South Australian premiers don’t want to open up to places where there is COVID.”

Canberra Airport will aim to treble passenger numbers from three to nine million by 2040 under an ambitious “master plan” put forward by the government.

Canberra Airport's draft master plan says passenger numbers are expected to grow from 3.3 million in 2018/19 to almost nine million by 2039/40.