Sydney Airport recorded its busiest year ever for its T1 International terminal in 2025.

More than 17 million passengers flew in and out of the terminal during the period. The airport also recorded its busiest quarter on record for international travel, with more than 4.62 million passengers travelling through the terminal in the final quarter (October to December), a 5.9 per cent increase on 2024. 

Inbound travel from key international markets strengthened as airlines launched new routes and increased services between Sydney and the Middle East, Europe, China, Southeast Asia and North America. 

Growth from China was particularly strong, with Chinese passport holders increasing 12.2 per cent compared with Q4, 2024. This was supported by additional capacity between Sydney and China, including China Southern Airlines’ announcement of a record expansion of its Sydney–Guangzhou services to three daily flights year‑round — the highest frequency ever operated on the route. 

Arrivals by South Korean passport holders rose 15.3 per cent, while travel from Japan and the United Kingdom also increased, up 8.3 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively, reflecting ongoing demand across key North Asian and European markets. 

Domestic and regional passenger numbers increased 2.1 per cent  compared with the same period last year, with 6.79 million passengers travelling through T2 and T3.

Together, these results capped a strong quarter for the airport, with 11.41 million passengers travelling through Sydney Airport between October and December. 

In total, more than 42.54 million passengers travelled through the airport in 2025, up 2.7 per cent on 2024. International passenger and network growth. 

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “2025 marked a record year of international passengers for Sydney Airport reflecting sustained demand for travel and Sydney’s role as Australia’s primary international gateway. 

“International travel accelerated throughout the second half, with the final quarter of the year delivering the highest international passenger volumes of any quarter in 2025. This reflects the recovery of key inbound markets and the return of airline capacity. 

“Importantly, we delivered this growth while maintaining strong operational performance during one of the busiest periods of the year. The opening of new security lanes at T1 and T2 is already improving the passenger experience, even as major construction continues across the precinct. 

“Looking ahead to 2026, our focus is firmly on delivery as we progress our development program to add capacity and continue improving the passenger experience. 

“This includes the completion of the $200 million T2 upgrade later in the year, the commencement of the T2/T3 Integrated Terminal expansion, and continued progress on our Master Plan review ahead of the final plan being published mid‑year. 

“These projects will ensure we are well positioned to meet future demand and deliver long‑term benefits for passengers and airlines.” 

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