The new terminal, which will cost NZ$2.2 billion for the terminal itself and $1.7 billion in additional integration costs, will include 12 jet aircraft gates to create 26 per cent more seat capacity, as well as two baggage claims and a connection with the existing international terminal.

The Qantas data breach, which occurred last Wednesday, 1 May, saw some customers using the airline’s app surprised to see the booking details of other customers, alongside the ability to change seats, cancel flights, and even book new flights.

A source with knowledge of the situation said it was never Bonza’s job to pay the leases on its fleet of 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which have sat grounded since Tuesday after being repossessed by the lessor, AIP Capital.

The addition of Palau, which is part of Micronesia and lies north of Papua New Guinea and east of the Philippines, gives Brisbane the highest number of Pacific connections out of any Australian airport, with a total of 14.