Sydney Airport has reported its strongest-ever quarter for international traffic, with 4.32 million international passengers passing through the terminals in Q1 2025.
The figure marks a 3.9 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, and the highest quarterly international traffic on record for the airport.
Total passenger movements for the quarter reached 10.4 million, a modest 0.8 per cent increase on Q1 2024.
Australian outbound demand and key source markets driving growth
While domestic and regional passenger numbers were down 1.3 per cent year-on-year, international travel was buoyed by a 7.5 per cent rise in Australian passport holders heading overseas.
Travel by South Korean, Indian and Philippine passport holders also surpassed 2024 levels.
Although Japanese passport holder traffic was lower than in Q1 2024, overall demand between Australia and Japan remains strong. In the 12 months to March, a record-breaking 855,000 passengers travelled between the two countries.
Smooth operations amid sustained growth
Operational performance remained strong during the period. According to Sydney Airport, 99.7 per cent of international passengers and 99.9 per cent of domestic passengers cleared security in under 10 minutes.
Inbound immigration wait times improved by 10 per cent on the previous quarter, with 90 per cent of travellers clearing immigration within 36 minutes.
Kerbside drop-offs also maintained efficient flow at the domestic terminals, with all vehicles cleared within 10 minutes. There were 10 instances at the international precinct where drop-off wait times exceeded 10 minutes.
Major upgrades across all terminals
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the traffic momentum “is being matched on the ground by some of the most significant upgrades the airport has seen”.
“These projects will deliver tangible improvements for our passengers.”
At T1 International, five of 15 new security lanes featuring CT scanner technology are now operational. The full upgrade, scheduled for completion by year-end, will increase screening capacity by nearly 30 per cent. Passengers will be able to keep laptops, liquids and aerosols in their bags during screening.
At T2 Domestic, work is progressing on a $200 million terminal transformation. Once complete, 95 per cent of passengers are expected to move from kerbside to airside in under 15 minutes. The project will include next-generation technology, updated facilities, and improved operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, T3 Domestic is undergoing a refresh of its food and beverage offerings. While new vendors are yet to be announced, passengers currently have access to temporary food stalls along with Luke’s Bistro & Bar and Stone & Wood.
Airline network updates
International connectivity is also expanding. Hong Kong Airlines will commence flights to Sydney in June, while Turkish Airlines is set to increase to daily services from December.
“As we look forward, our focus remains on building on this momentum and maintaining effective operational performance,” Charlton said.
“The positive start to the year, combined with our ongoing investments in infrastructure and passenger experience, sets us up for sustained growth.”
Passenger and operational data for Q1 2025 is available via the Sydney Airport website.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Sydney Airport’s record-breaking Q1 and efficient operations reflect strong demand for international travel—and ongoing opportunities for outbound-selling agents. With major upgrades underway and new capacity from Hong Kong and Türkiye, Sydney is strengthening its role as a critical outbound hub for Australian travellers.
