A higher overseas airline departure tax needs to fund the full adoption of a digital arrivals app across all international airports.
The call from the Australian Airports Association (AAA) follows the release of the 2026-27 federal budget on Tuesday: the passenger departure tax is rising from $70 to $80.
The AAA says it is disappointed by the decision especially by the timing and lack of details about modernising border control.
The tax applies to every outbound international traveller older than 12 years.
But the AAA claims only about half of the $1.4 billion raised by the tax annually is used for border control.
Chief Executive Simon Westaway says raising the tax by $10 amid economic challenges risks putting further pressure on travellers and the tourism industry.
“At a time when household budgets are stretched, any increase to this passenger tax needs to be carefully considered because it risks making overseas travel more expensive for regular families wanting to take a holiday,” he says.
“If passengers are being asked to pay more, it is essential that the additional revenue is reinvested in tangible border upgrades rather than being absorbed into consolidated revenue.”
OVERSEAS ARRIVALS
Westaway says the first place to start is a digital arrivals app.
“We urge the government to digitise the paper Incoming Passenger Card as an app for overseas arrivals,” he says.
“This is a simple fix to a frustrating administrative process for anyone flying into Australia.
“The paper card is an outdated method to gather information and gives the impression that Australia is falling behind on new technology.”
Qantas has begun experimenting with an app on select services while New Zealand has fully adopted the technology.
Hobart (Tasmania), Newcastle (NSW) and Avalon (Victoria) airports have all begun to operate international flights, permanent or seasonal, and have had immigration and customs facilities installed.
“This upgrade should sit alongside broader investment in border technology, more SmartGates and better resourcing for the Australian Border Force,” Westaway says.
“Our competing neighbours − including New Zealand, Indonesia and Singapore − are already delivering a far better border experience than us.”
He says modern border controls need to be in place in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The association represents more than 340 airports and aerodromes and 150 corporate members across the country.
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