The number of international airline passengers in Australia grew steadily from 2013 to 2019, with notable annual increases, before plummeting drastically in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic—a year-on-year drop of 58.76%. The sector saw a robust recovery in 2021 with a 93% increase, continuing to grow into 2022. In 2023, the number of passengers reached 47.293 million, reflecting a modest 2.66% increase from the previous year. From 2024 onwards, the forecast indicates continuous growth, culminating in 53.045 million passengers by 2028, suggesting an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.08% over the next five years.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of global economic conditions, changes in airline capacity and routes, evolving travel preferences post-pandemic, and potential disruptions related to geopolitical events or climate change. Innovations in technology and sustainability practices in aviation may also play crucial roles in shaping passenger dynamics.