Top 10 Australian Airports by Passenger Traffic in 2023-2024: A Simple Guide
Australia’s airports are bustling hubs that connect people across the country and the world. Whether you’re flying for a holiday, work, or to visit family, knowing the top airports in Australia by passenger traffic can help you plan your trip.
Why Knowing the Busiest Airports in Australia Matters
Airports are more than just places to catch a flight—they’re gateways to adventure, business, and connection. The top airports by passenger traffic in Australia handle millions of travelers each year, offering flights to local and international destinations. By understanding which airports are the busiest, you can choose the best one for your trip, find popular routes, and plan for parking or amenities.
Top 10 Australian Airports by Passenger Traffic
Here’s a list of the top 10 Australian airports by revenue passenger traffic for 2023-2024, as mentioned in the provided data:
Sydney Airport
Melbourne Airport
Brisbane Airport
Perth Airport
Adelaide Airport
Gold Coast Airport
Cairns Airport
Canberra Airport
Hobart Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport
1. Sydney Airport: Australia’s Busiest Hub
Sydney Airport, located in Sydney, New South Wales, is the top airport in Australia by passenger traffic. In 2023-2024, it handled 40.57 million passengers, with 24.72 million domestic and 15.85 million international travelers. Known as Kingsford Smith Airport, it’s close to Sydney’s iconic landmarks like the Opera House and serves major routes to Brisbane, Melbourne, and international spots like Singapore and Los Angeles.
· Why it’s busy: Major hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia, with flights to 59 destinations.
· Travel tip: Book parking early, as Sydney is the priciest for short-term parking.
· Key routes: Domestic to Melbourne and Brisbane; international to Auckland and Tokyo.
2. Melbourne Airport: A Top Travel Gateway
Melbourne Airport, in Victoria, ranks second among Australia’s busiest airports, with 34.84 million passengers (23.88 million domestic, 10.96 million international) in 2023-2024. Also called Tullamarine, it’s a key hub for international flights to Tokyo and Hong Kong and domestic routes to Sydney and Perth.
· Why it’s busy: First airport to recover to pre-COVID numbers, with major investments in runways and terminals.
· Travel tip: Try Movida’s tapas bar for a pre-flight meal.
· Key routes: Domestic to Perth and Brisbane; international to Los Angeles.
3. Brisbane Airport: A Growing Travel Hub
Brisbane Airport, in Queensland, is third on the list of top Australian airports by passenger traffic, with 22.23 million passengers (16.66 million domestic, 5.58 million international). It’s the largest airport by land area and serves tourist spots like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
· Why it’s busy: Connects to 29 international and 50 domestic destinations, with strong post-COVID recovery.
· Travel tip: Plenty of parking options make driving to the airport easy.
· Key routes: Domestic to Sydney and Cairns; international to Singapore and Dubai.
4. Perth Airport: A Top International Gateway
Perth Airport, in Western Australia, handled 12.79 million passengers (8.46 million domestic, 4.33 million international), making it the fourth busiest airport in Australia. It’s known for long-haul flights, like Qantas’ Perth to London route, one of the world’s longest.
· Why it’s busy: Offers flights to Asia, Europe, and South Africa, with new routes added in 2023-2024.
· Travel tip: Check for new terminal upgrades to enhance your travel experience.
· Key routes: Domestic to Melbourne and Sydney; international to London and Johannesburg.
5. Adelaide Airport: A Key Regional Hub
Adelaide Airport, in South Australia, ranks fifth with 8.25 million passengers (7.30 million domestic, 0.95 million international). It serves fewer international routes but is a vital hub for domestic travel in South Australia.
· Why it’s busy: Connects to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, with a focus on domestic travel.
· Travel tip: Look for affordable parking deals when flying from Adelaide.
· Key routes: Domestic to Perth and Canberra; limited international flights.
6. Gold Coast Airport: A Tourist Favorite
Gold Coast Airport, in Queensland, handled 6.32 million passengers (5.61 million domestic, 0.71 million international). It’s a top choice for tourists visiting the Gold Coast’s beaches and attractions.
· Why it’s busy: Close to Brisbane, with popular domestic routes to Sydney and Melbourne.
· Travel tip: Book flights early for deals to tourist hotspots.
· Key routes: Domestic to Brisbane and Cairns; international to Auckland.
7. Cairns Airport: A Tropical Gateway
Cairns Airport, in Queensland, saw 4.63 million passengers (4.04 million domestic, 0.60 million international). It’s a key hub for travelers heading to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical Queensland.
· Why it’s busy: Popular for domestic tourism and some international routes to Asia.
· Travel tip: Great for families visiting Cairns’ natural attractions.
· Key routes: Domestic to Brisbane and Sydney; international to Tokyo.
8. Canberra Airport: The Capital’s Hub
Canberra Airport, in the Australian Capital Territory, handled 2.82 million passengers (2.79 million domestic, 0.03 million international). It serves the capital with mostly domestic flights.
· Why it’s busy: Connects to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
· Travel tip: Easy parking and smaller crowds make it a stress-free airport.
· Key routes: Domestic to Melbourne and Brisbane; limited international flights.
9. Hobart Airport: Tasmania’s Top Airport
Hobart Airport, in Tasmania, saw 2.68 million passengers (2.65 million domestic, 0.03 million international). It’s a gateway to Tasmania’s natural beauty and historic sites.
· Why it’s busy: Popular for domestic tourists visiting Hobart and nearby attractions.
· Travel tip: Try the James Boag Bar for a pre-flight meal.
· Key routes: Domestic to Sydney and Melbourne.
10. Sunshine Coast Airport: A Rising Star
Sunshine Coast Airport, in Queensland, handled 1.90 million passengers (1.88 million domestic, 0.01 million international). It’s growing as a hub for coastal tourism.
· Why it’s busy: Serves the Sunshine Coast’s beaches and resorts with domestic routes.
· Travel tip: Book early for deals to popular domestic destinations.
· Key routes: Domestic to Sydney and Melbourne.
Plan Your 2025 Trip Through Australia’s Top Airports
Australia’s top 10 airports by passenger traffic in 2023-2024 are key to exploring the country and beyond. From Sydney’s busy international hub to the Sunshine Coast’s growing domestic routes, these airports offer something for every traveler. Book flights, accommodations, and tours early to save money and make your trip smooth. Use platforms like Door2Door.services for travel tips and support to navigate these busiest airports in Australia. Start planning now to fly through one of these top Australian airports and enjoy your 2025 adventure!
