Sydney Airport says it is anticipating its biggest year ever for international travel after another excellent quarter.
Australia’s largest gateway has recorded 12.55 million international passengers so far this year, driven by new services and four per cent growth in international seat capacity. This follows a 6.6 percent year-on-year growth in international passengers for the third quarter of 2025 to 4.28 million.
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Domestic and regional travel also increased from the same period last year in the third quarter, but only by 1.4 percent to 4.28 million. In total, passenger movements in Sydney grew 3.4 percent year-on-year to 10.68 million.
The news comes after Australian Aviation reported in May how Sydney Airport experienced its biggest-ever quarter for international travel, and as Australia moves to expand its bilateral air services agreements, including “open skies” with Canada and Malaysia from next year.
“The third quarter was another quarter of steady growth, supported by inbound demand from key markets including the UK, China and Indonesia,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said.
“The recovery of these markets, combined with the continued return of air capacity, reflects the strength of Sydney’s position as an international gateway to Australia.
“This performance demonstrates the value of our partnerships with airlines, Australian Border Force and government agencies as we work together to deliver more efficient and seamless passenger travel.”
Overseas travel by Australians increased 20 per cent in the same period last year, with China experiencing the biggest growth in inbound travel at 11.6 per cent.
“Arrivals for British passport holders increased by 26.1 percent, while Indonesia and Japan grew by 12.9 percent and 7.2 percent respectively,” the airport said in a news release.
“The growth in British arrivals reflected the impact of the British and Irish Lions rugby tour and additional capacity across the Middle East and Europe, supported by new and expanded airline partnerships.”
Sydney Airport is currently in the midst of major upgrades to its terminals, with 11 of the 15 new security screening lanes now operational at the T1 international terminal, as well as two of the seven at the T2 domestic terminal.
According to Charlton, the airport’s passenger growth “shows that the investments we are making in screening technology, terminal upgrades and digital services are improving the travel experience across all terminals.”
“What is particularly pleasing is that these results were achieved while major infrastructure works continued across the district,” he said.
“Our operational teams have maintained consistent performance and reliability during a busy period, ensuring passengers continue to enjoy an efficient and welcoming airport experience.”
Last month, the airport in its Draft Master Plan 2045 revealed plans to unite its two domestic terminals into a single facility.
