Brisbane Airport has reached a significant milestone, marking a full recovery from the pandemic’s impact.
The International Terminal witnessed unprecedented passenger numbers in December and January, officially surpassing pre-COVID levels. This surge signifies a robust return to travel and positions Brisbane as a thriving global hub.
Record-Breaking Traffic Highlights Recovery
December 2024 saw the International Terminal handle an impressive 631,700 passengers, eclipsing the previous record set in January 2020.
However, this achievement was short-lived, as January 2025 welcomed 638,800 travelers, establishing a new all-time high. These figures demonstrate a clear and powerful resurgence in international travel.
In January, Brisbane Airport’s international passenger numbers reached 109% of pre-pandemic levels, while the Domestic Terminal operated at 104%. This overall recovery showcases the airport’s resilience and the strong demand for travel to and from Queensland.
A Shift Towards Future-Focused Growth
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff emphasized the importance of this milestone. “We are proud to have achieved this milestone which has come about through a lot of hard work, close collaboration and strong partnerships.” However, he also stressed a forward-looking approach.
“While we acknowledge this is a milestone worth celebrating, this will be the last time we ever talk publicly about 2019 numbers. This is a line-in-the-sand moment and from now on we will only quote year-on-year numbers.”
This strategic shift reflects the airport’s commitment to continuous improvement and expansion. The focus is now firmly on enhancing global connectivity and investing in the lifestyle of South East Queensland.
Driving Factors Behind the Surge
The remarkable growth in international passenger numbers is attributed to the introduction of new routes and increased capacity on existing ones.
Airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jetstar, and Qantas have expanded their services, offering travelers more options.
Additionally, airlines such as United Airlines, China Eastern, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific have increased their flight frequencies, further boosting passenger traffic.
“The simple fact is these numbers are being driven by a growing demand from Queenslanders who want to travel and by international visitors who want to come to our beautiful state,” Mr. de Graaff explained.
Investing in the Future
Recognizing the increasing demand, Brisbane Airport is investing over $5 billion in retail, logistics, and infrastructure development over the next decade. This investment aims to create a world-class airport that meets the needs of the region and the state.
Mr. de Graaff also acknowledged the vital role of the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) and Tourism and Events Queensland in securing increased capacity. These partnerships have been instrumental in driving the airport’s growth.
Key Figures at a Glance
- Total Passengers: 3.1 million passengers passed through Brisbane Airport during the summer peak (December 13, 2024 – January 27, 2025).
- International Terminal Records: December 2024: 631,700 passengers; January 2025: 638,800 passengers (new record).
- Overall Recovery: International Terminal: 109% of pre-COVID levels; Domestic Terminal: 104% of pre-COVID levels (January 2025).
- Peak Travel Days: Domestic: December 13, 2024 (54,877 passengers); International: December 22, 2024 (24,164 passengers).
Brisbane Airport’s successful recovery and future-focused investments position it as a key player in the global aviation landscape.
By prioritizing growth and collaboration, the airport is set to continue its upward trajectory, benefiting both travelers and the broader Queensland community.
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The post Brisbane Airport Surpasses Pre-Covid Passenger Levels appeared first on AviationSource News.