As the Easter school holidays approach, Australian airports are bracing for a surge in passenger traffic, driven by both the holiday period and the overlapping Anzac Day public holiday. Major hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane airports are expected to see some of the busiest travel days of the year, with millions of Australians taking to the skies.
Brisbane Airport Forecasts Surge in Traffic
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is anticipating a significant increase in passenger numbers, forecasting a total of 2.23 million travelers from March 27 to April 29, 2025. This represents a 9% rise in domestic travel and a 12% jump in international passengers compared to the same period in 2024. The busiest days are expected to fall on April 17 and 18, with 61,100 passengers expected at the domestic terminal and 20,700 at the international terminal. Peak travel days are expected to continue through April 26–27 as families return from their holidays.
The overlap of Easter with the Anzac Day holiday this year has contributed to a condensed travel period, with demand peaking more sharply than in previous years, a pattern reminiscent of 2019.
Sydney Airport’s Easter Rush
Sydney Airport (SYD) is set to handle over 2.5 million passengers between April 9 and 29, 2025, marking a busy Easter season. This is expected to be the highest number of international travelers since 2019, with a 9% increase anticipated in international travel. The busiest domestic travel days will be April 17, while international travelers will experience the highest congestion on April 18.
Airport officials urge passengers to allow extra time for travel, particularly for international flights. With one million international passengers expected to pass through Terminal 1, SYD is preparing for its busiest holiday season in recent years.
Melbourne Airport Prepares for Anzac Day and Easter Traffic
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is also bracing for a significant uptick in passengers, with more than two million travelers expected throughout the Easter period. This will be followed by an additional 729,000 passengers during the Anzac Day public holiday week. International passenger traffic is projected to rise by 24% compared to last year, with Thursday, April 17, forecast to be the busiest day, as 118,000 travelers are expected to move through the terminal ahead of the Easter long weekend.
Adelaide Airport to Break Records
Adelaide Airport (ADL) is preparing for its busiest week on record, with more than 90 additional domestic flights scheduled in the lead-up to both the AFL Gather Round and the Easter school holidays. From April 7 to 13, 2025, passenger numbers are expected to exceed 200,000, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. The surge is expected to be especially strong as families take advantage of the school holidays and AFL events.
Travel Tips for Easter 2025
With air travel expected to be especially busy this Easter, airports across Australia are advising passengers to plan ahead. Key tips include:
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Book parking in advance: Parking is expected to be in high demand, so travelers should secure their spots online ahead of time.
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Allow extra time for check-in and security: To ensure a smooth journey, passengers are advised to arrive one hour before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. For international departures, a three-hour window is recommended.
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Check-in online where possible: Many airlines are encouraging passengers to check in online to save time at the airport.
Additionally, airports are ramping up staff and resources to streamline operations. This includes increasing the number of staff at check-in counters, security checks, and baggage handling to ensure a swift journey through the terminals.
Easter-Themed Activities at Airports
In addition to the usual travel preparations, some airports are offering festive activities for travelers. Brisbane Airport is celebrating its 100th anniversary with activation zones and prize giveaways in both its domestic and international terminals. Sydney Airport will offer chocolate giveaways at its information desks and feature an Easter-themed display for travelers to enjoy. Meanwhile, Adelaide Airport will host live music, a DJ, and photo opportunities with AFL props to celebrate the AFL Gather Round.
As millions of Australians travel for the Easter holidays and other major events, it’s clear that 2025 will be one of the busiest holiday seasons for airports across the country. By planning ahead and following these travel tips, passengers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
