Three decades ago, Queenslanders said goodbye to tarmac boarding and hello to aerobridges when Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal opened its doors. Today, that terminal turns 30, having welcomed more than 118 million travellers since 1995.
The facility was a game-changer from the start. Built for $240 million and delivered ahead of schedule (remarkable for such a massive project), it offered landscaped gardens, a modern design and enhanced boarding for international passengers.
Fast forward to today, and the terminal connects Queensland to a record 35 destinations, with 26 airlines now flying direct.
In the 12 months to June, international traffic through the terminal jumped 16.3 per cent, with more than 6.5 million travellers choosing Brisbane. In addition, new data shows a record-low 7.1 per cent of locals now fly overseas via other Australian airports, underlining Brisbane’s growing reach.
Among the carriers growing capacity at the Queensland gateway are Jetstar, Delta, American Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines.
“You don’t need to fly south to travel north. Brisbane’s International Terminal has a network we can truly be proud of, delivering for Queenslanders every single day,” Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said.
Looking ahead, Brisbane Airport’s $5 billion Future BNE program is already reshaping the international terminal, with smart security screening, more bag-drop options, bigger duty-free, fresh dining and covered walkways on the way.
“Airports are never finished and we’re always evolving to meet the needs of a growing city. This latest transformation will ensure we continue to serve Queenslanders for decades to come,” de Graaff said.
“Our international terminal is Queensland’s gateway to the world, a vital link that underpins the state’s visitor economy and global connectivity.”
“Thirty years on, the terminal still ignites the excitement of a holiday departure and the joy of arriving in Queensland, and is a true credit to the vision and skill of its original designers.”
Two decades ago, a group of six volunteers began welcoming international arrivals at the airport, a team that is now 165 strong.
“It was an eye-opener. People couldn’t believe that we went from tin sheds to an actual building, it was just wonderful,” said Allyce Mattock, one of the two original six who are still on the job.
Another original volunteer, Jeff Lurie said entering the new terminal was like “stepping from one century into another, in terms of the facilities and the feeling”.
“And to see it continue to evolve is what’s made it even more exciting; it’s not static, it’s always changing and changing for the better,” he remarked.
In May, Brisbane Airport Corporation added internationally experienced aviation manager Scott Norris as its new Executive General Manager Commercial to oversee retail, commercial, parking and industrial development as part of the $5 billion Future BNE project. Read more about that here.
