Australia, known as “the land down under”, is one of the world's most popular international tourist destinations.
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Like the rest of the globe, the tourist industry in Australia took a brutal hit in 2020 when borders closed and travel ceased.
Thankfully, for the previously robust economy, it normalised its traffic more quickly than others.
Australia is once again the sunny, beautiful, and wild favourite of millions of travellers in 2025.
Suppose you’re considering a trip to or a stopover in Australia this year. If that’s the case, it's essential to know what traffic at Australian airports is like in 2025 to give yourself the best chance of a seamless airport experience.
Let’s take a look.
Australia's Main International Travel Hubs
These are the Australian airports that see the most international traffic for both commercial and private air charter flights.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
Australia's busiest international airport had a record-setting year in 2025.
In Q1, the airport saw 4.32 million international passengers pass through its doors, a significant increase of 3.9% over the same time in 2024 and an all-time record for a single quarter.
Q2 saw 3.94 million international passengers, a 4.6% increase over the same time in 2024.
With Sydney Airport acting as the central hub for Qantas (Australia’s flagship airline) in the country, it's no surprise that the airport's international traffic is improving consistently.
The airport’s location makes it an easy choice for international travellers wishing to explore the country and a steady stream of business travel, despite Sydney not being Australia’s capital.
The airport currently serves 43 international destinations (46 domestic ones) and has previously been rated as one of the top five airports in the world.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
Melbourne Airport has also had a record-breaking year, particularly as the 2024/ 2025 summer season ended.
The airport has also seen incredible financial growth for the financial year ending in June 2025, with more than 11.9 million international passengers passing through its halls.
Thanks to increased international capacity and new flights with Hong Kong Airlines, as well as plans for major infrastructure expansions (a new runway, improved baggage system, and an airport rail link), we can expect to see more growth in Melbourne’s international and domestic travel as the summer season begins and tourists flood into the city.
*Australia Pacific Airports Corporation acknowledges the First Nations of the lands on which their airports operate. APAC pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
Brisbane Airport
The third busiest international airport in Australia is Brisbane Airport. In 2025, this airport will celebrate 100 years of operation and growth.
Brisbane Airport has come a long way from a once tiny aerodrome in Eagle Farm to a hub for 33 (as of this coming November) international destinations.
With non-stop flights to countries in the Middle East, Asia, New Zealand, and North America, the airport has much to offer tourists, including a smooth and fuss-free experience from check-in to landing.
As of January 2025, the international terminal was operating at 109% of pre-COVID passenger numbers, significantly improving and exceeding expectations.
*Brisbane Airport acknowledges the traditional owners of the Meanjin/Brisbane region and recognises their continuing connection to lands and waters.
It pays its respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the places it connects.
Australian Tourism in 2025
Australia’s tourist industry has more than smoothed out the dent created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with a new tourist season coming up in the next few months, we can likely expect to see further growth at the end of the year.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasted a $315 billion year for Australian tourism in 2025, including domestic and international tourists.
Holiday travel is the largest portion of the market, with top markets including China and New Zealand.
While the domestic market has seen a little less traffic between March and September, it's expected to pick up as summer comes on.
International Tourism (As of March 2025)
Total Trips
- 7.7 million
Top Reasons for Travel
- Holiday: 3.3 million trips
- Visiting loved ones: 2.6 million trips
- Business travel: 772,000 trips
- Travel for educational purposes: 509,000 trips
Top International Markets
- New Zealand: 1.2 million trips
- China: 860,000 trips
- United States: 672,000 trips
Key Takeaways
Top Airports for International Flights
- Sydney Airport is Australia's busiest airport and the country’s main port for international air travel, receiving the highest volume of international flights annually.
- Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is a significant international gateway, especially for flights to major eastern hubs like Tokyo and Hong Kong.
- Brisbane Airport is a significant gateway to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and a major hub for international travelers.
G’Day!
If you’re travelling to or through Australia in the last part of this year, expect to enjoy a wonderful, warm summer tourist season.
Enjoy your flights and exercises, and don't forget the sunblock.