New data released today shows Brisbane Airport saw significant recovery in passenger numbers in FY24, with 22.6 million passengers or 95% of pre-COVID FY19 levels, with notable growth in international travel which rose 39% over the past year.

There was a total of 17 million domestic passengers, up 5.7% on the previous year, and reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels.

In the International Terminal, there were 5.6 million passengers, representing 89% of 2019 levels. 

“We know more Queenslanders have been ticking off their bucket lists, but importantly we’re also seeing more international tourists visiting the state and that’s good news for the state’s tourism regions from the Gold Coast to Tropical North Queensland and the Outback,” according to Ryan Both, Executive General Manager of Aviation at Brisbane Airport.

“We know when Brisbane Airport is busy, Queensland is busy.”

The year was marked by 10 international airline route launches, including the eagerly anticipated return of direct flights to China by China Eastern and China Southern.

Significant growth was also seen in the Japan market, with Jetstar commencing services to Tokyo and Osaka. Japan has risen to be the #4 inbound market, and #2 outbound market for BNE for the 3-month period to April 2024. 

Both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to commence direct flights to Brisbane by the end of the year, joining United Airlines, Air Canada and Qantas in flights across the Pacific, marking a historic milestone in connectivity with North America.

“We are eagerly looking forward to the launch of American Airlines direct from Dallas and Delta from Los Angeles. By the end of the year there will be five major carriers serving the North American market providing a historic level of options and competition across the Pacific.”

The return of flights to Bangkok with Jetstar will also commence soon.

In fact, much of the international growth at Brisbane Airport is the result of Jetstar, with a 149% increase in international passengers in the past year as it launched flights to Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul, as well as significant growth in services to Auckland.

"Queenslanders have embraced Jetstar’s low fares, with all of the new route launches from Brisbane Airport receiving strong support, propelling the airline from BNE's 7th biggest international carrier to number 2.”

There are now tickets on sale to 32 international destinations via Brisbane Airport, just shy of the 33 ports pre-pandemic.

Domestic connections have also grown in the past year with the commencement of Virgin Australia flights to Uluru and Jetstar to Melbourne Avalon.

Brisbane Airport is now connected to 62 domestic ports, more than any other Australian airport, with 53 regular passenger services and 9 charter ports, largely servicing the mining industry, with 4000 FIFO workers per day. 

New route launches in FY24:

International Airline Route Launches (10)

• China Southern to Guangzhou (China)
• China Eastern to Shanghai (China)
• Jetstar to Tokyo (Japan)
• Jetstar to Osaka (Japan)
• Jetstar to Seoul (South Korea)
• Qantas to Wellington (New Zealand)
• Qantas to Honiara (Solomon Islands)
• Solomon Airlines to Munda (Solomon Islands)
• Air Vanuatu to Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu), however recently this has been replaced by Solomon Airlines to Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)
• Nauru Airlines to Palau (Micronesia)

Domestic airline route launches (2):

• Virgin Australia to Uluru
• Jetstar to Melbourne Avalon

BNE also announced a further 5 airline route launches that will commence in early FY25 

• American Airlines to Dallas Fort Worth (USA)
• Delta Air Lines to Los Angeles (USA)
• Qantas to Manila (Philippines)
• Qantas to Port Vila (Vanuatu)
• Jetstar to Bangkok (Thailand)