AIRPORTS REPORT RECORD REVENUE
All four airports reported record revenues, collectively earning $2.9 billion in 2024-25, the ACCC says, despite falling passenger growth (13.7% in 2023-24 to 4.6% in 2024-25).
Sydney Airport made $584.3m in operating profit in 2024-25 with a record return of 20.8%.
“Sydney continues to earn significantly more aeronautical revenue and profit than the other major airports, both from a total and per‑passenger perspective,” Brakey says.
“Sydney’s aeronautical profits eclipsed all of the other airports combined, more than double Melbourne as the next most profitable.”
Sydney’s higher earnings compared to other airports is due in part to it handling more international passengers, also who typically spend more than domestic passengers.
Perth Airport delivered the strongest year‑on‑year profit growth, up 73.7% to $130.6 million in 2024-25.
PASSENGER GROWTH
Overall passenger numbers at all four airports rose by 4.6% in 2024-25 due largely to a 9.5% growth in overseas arrivals (40.4 million passengers).
Perth had the strongest international growth (up 17.8%) then Brisbane Airport (16.3%), Melbourne (8.3%) and Sydney (5.5%).
“While international passenger growth slowed from 2023-24 to 2024-25, the continued strong passenger growth reflects the willingness of international airlines to add services to Australia’s major airports,” Brakey says.
“Domestic passenger numbers grew by 2.2% to nearly 80 million, highlighting sustained demand for leisure travel and tourism within Australia.”
SERVICE SATISFACTION
Passengers rated Sydney, Melbourne and Perth airport services and facilities as ‘good’, the ACCC report says.
While rated the highest of the four airports by passengers, Brisbane’s overall rating fell to ‘satisfactory’ following lower ratings from airlines due to major construction works, low availability and standard of aerobridges, check-in services and facilities, and baggage processing facilities.
CAR PARKING
The four airports collectively earned $402.1m in operating profits, the ACCC says.
Brisbane’s car parking profit rose by 7.9% to $125.3m, Sydney’s profits rose 11.1% to $108.7m but profits fell by 8% at Melbourne and Perth airports ($101.3m and $66.7m respectively).
Sydney generally had some of the most expensive parking of the four airports while Melbourne was generally the cheapest for both terminal and distance parking.
“Car parking continues to be a lucrative business with operating profit margins above 60% at Brisbane, Perth and Sydney airports,” Ms Brakey said.
- The ACCC’s airport monitoring role is established under the Airports Act 1996 and Airports Regulations 2024. It monitors the prices, costs and profits of aeronautical and car parking at the Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.
