Citing “strong performance and exceptional demand”, the Flying Kangaroo will increase from the current three A330-200 flights per week to up to five in 2026–27, representing over a 50 per cent capacity increase from the current season.

The Australian Airports Association (AAA), in a pre-budget submission, said that allocating an extra five per cent of revenue per year from the $70 Passenger Movement Charge (PMC), which raises more than $1.35 billion annually, could boost border and airport processing infrastructure.

A new industry advisory panel has been established to support Defence and other Australian government agencies with counter small uncrewed aerial systems services.

Figures released by Airport Coordination Limited Asia Pacific, which took over Sydney slot management last year, showed that while slot utilisation averages over 95 per cent from 7am to 10am and 6pm to 7pm on weekdays, it drops to around 67 per cent on average outside those times.