Brisbane Airport expects more than two million passengers through its terminals, including 1.5 million domestic travellers, over the 2024 Easter break and school holiday period, peaking with more than 55,000 pax on the busiest day.
In good news for Queensland’s tourism industry, international travel is up 32 per cent on the same period in 2023 and 91 per cent on 2019 levels, while forward bookings are also strong to Queensland regions hit by flooding, such as Cairns and the Whitsundays, earlier this year.
The peak period for the International Terminal will be between Friday 12 April and Sunday 14 April when school holidays begin in New Zealand.
BNE international recovery
Brisbane Airport spokesperson Peter Doherty said BNE has seen increased international growth from New Zealand, the UK and Europe, the US, Canada and Japan.
“Trans-Tasman travel has increased with the number of flights originating from New Zealand rising from 75 this time last year to 87 per week this year. This equates to over 18,600 seats available in each direction weekly, marking a 23 per cent increase compared to last year.”
The biggest growth is on routes between Brisbane and Japan, thanks to increased Jetstar services, making the LCC Brisbane Airport’s second-biggest international airline.
“This time last year there were just three services per week to Japan, whereas this Easter there are 18 departures per week. The number of passengers will be 200 per cent of pre-COVID levels, by far the biggest recovery of any market,” Mr Doherty said.
Domestic travel
In the Domestic Terminal, the busiest day of the holiday period will fall on the Thursday before Easter with 56,100 passengers forecast to travel on March 28.
Overall, domestic passenger numbers are up two per cent on 2023 and at 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
More dogs!
Following the successful therapy dog program in the Domestic Terminal during peak seasons, Brisbane Airport will extend the puppy power initiative to the International Terminal for the upcoming holidays.
“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the calming effect these adorable pups have on passengers. We eagerly anticipate extending this program to the International Terminal,” Mr Doherty said.
Check out our domestic Easter air travel wrap here.
For more info, head to bne.com.au