A 51 percent increase in passengers from mainland China has helped Brisbane Airport achieve a record year in 2026-27.
Figures released today show that Chinese airport passengers increased by 137,710 in the financial year, representing the largest percentage lift from any destination.
All up, 25.2 million passengers passed through the airport, more than one million more than the year before.
The International Terminal welcomed 7,080,057 passengers, up (7.9 percent), while the Domestic Terminal processed 18,166,893 passengers (up 2.5 percent).
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the result underscored the momentum at the airport and the resilience of the our aviation network.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr De Graaff said the following were some of the highlights of the year:
- Jetstar reached the milestone of one million international passengers at Brisbane Airport.
- International passenger numbers passed seven million passengers for the first time.
- More than one million passengers travelled to Brisbane via Singapore Changi Airport over the year.
- Airlines operated more than two million seats between Brisbane and New Zealand across Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.
- Virgin Australia recorded the largest increase of any international airline, adding more than 150,000 passengers year-on-year.
- Brisbane became the launch city for Qantas’ first international Airbus A220 services.
- Qantas and Jetstar announced services between Brisbane and Western Sydney International Airport which start soon.
- 84,265 passengers travelled through Brisbane Airport on October 6, 2025, 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 Mr De Graaff.
