Brisbane Airport recorded a 12.5 per cent lift in passenger numbers for FY24 with 2.5 million more travellers through its terminals than the previous year. New BNE data highlights a 95 per cent overall recovery and a strong international traveller rebound, thanks to 10 new outbound routes with five more on the way.
BNE reported notable year-on-year growth for FY24 with 22.6 million passengers, an increase of 12.5 per cent, of which 17 million were domestic travellers (up 5.7% and 97% of FY19 levels) and 5.6 million (up 39.4% and 89% of FY19 levels) were international passengers.
Brisbane now has direct connections to 32 international ports (just below 2019’s 33 ports) and 62 domestic destinations – more than any Australian airport.
The year was marked by 10 international airline route launches, including the return of direct flights to mainland China by China Eastern and China Southern.
Jetstar’s route growth contributed to most of BNE’s international pax boost, providing a 149 per cent increase in international passengers with the launch of nonstop flights to Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul plus the return of direct Bangkok services soon.
For the three months to April 2024, Japan rose as the fourth-highest inbound market and second-highest outbound market for Brisbane Airport.
Brisbane Airport Executive General Manager of Aviation Ryan Both said: “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 seventh-biggest international carrier to number two.”
BNE ups USA connectivity
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also announced direct flights to Brisbane by the end of 2024, joining United Airlines, Air Canada and Qantas and marking a milestone in links with North America.
Five new services are due to launch from BNE in early FY25: American Airlines to Dallas Fort Worth, Delta to Los Angeles, Qantas to Manila, Qantas to Port Vila and Jetstar to Bangkok.
“We are eagerly looking forward to the launch of American Airlines direct from Dallas and Delta from Los Angeles,” Both said.
“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.”
