Perth, Feb 4: Chinese arrivals surged last year, helping drive Sydney Airport to its busiest year ever for international travel, as more than 17.17 million passengers passed through the T1 International terminal.
New data shows travel by Chinese passport holders rose 12.2 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, supported by expanded airline capacity and a record increase in services between Sydney and Guangzhou. China Southern Airlines announced it will operate three daily flights year-round on the route, the highest frequency ever.
The rebound from China formed part of a broader recovery in international travel, with Sydney Airport recording its busiest international quarter on record in the final three months of the year.
More than 4.62 million passengers travelled through the international terminal between October and December, up 5.9 per cent on 2024.
Overall, more than 42.54 million passengers travelled through Sydney Airport in 2025, a 2.7 per cent increase year on year, cementing Sydney’s position as Australia’s primary international gateway.
Growth was also recorded across other key markets. Arrivals by South Korean passport holders rose 15.3 per cent, while travel from Japan and the United Kingdom increased 8.3 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively, reflecting sustained demand across North Asia and Europe.
Domestic and regional travel also strengthened, with 6.79 million passengers moving through terminals T2 and T3 in the final quarter, up 2.1 per cent compared with the same period last year. In total, 11.41 million passengers travelled through the airport during the October to December quarter.
Operational performance remained strong despite the record volumes. Nearly all passengers cleared security in under 10 minutes, with 99.4 per cent of international travellers and 99.8 per cent of domestic travellers processed within that time frame.
Inbound immigration times also improved during the busiest quarter, with 90 per cent of international passengers clearing immigration within 34 minutes, supported by the rollout of new inbound kiosks at T1.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the results reflected both demand recovery and infrastructure investment.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The airport is continuing work on major infrastructure projects, including a $200 million upgrade to Terminal 2, the expansion of the integrated T2/T3 terminal precinct and progress on its Master Plan review, due for completion mid-2026.
“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,” Charlton said.
“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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