The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) is calling on the Australian Government to prioritise investment in modernising Australia’s international borders in the 2026 Federal Budget, as record passenger numbers across the nation’s major gateways highlight mounting pressure on Australia’s border systems.
Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne airports have each reported their busiest periods on record, underscoring the need for a seamless, secure and future-ready border. Sydney Airport welcomed more than 17.17 million international passengers in 20251, with the December quarter alone exceeding 4.62 million travellers, while Brisbane Airport also recorded its busiest year ever with almost 7 million international passengers2. Melbourne Airport also achieved its highest monthly total in December, with more than 1.2 million passengers its international terminals3.
With international air passenger movements projected to grow from 43 million in FY2025 to 53 million by 2030, TTF warns that Australia must act now to ensure the Australian Border Force is equipped to manage both near-term capacity pressures and sustained long-term growth.
TTF CEO, Margy Osmond said, “The surge in passenger numbers we are seeing across Australia’s major airports is a clear signal that our border systems must keep pace with demand. Investing in a modern, and well-resourced border now will help ensure travellers can enter the country safely, securely and efficiently, while protecting Australia’s global competitiveness as a destination.”
Australia is operating in an increasingly competitive global aviation landscape, and according to the Skytrax 2025 World’s Best Airport Immigration Service rankings, no Australian airports feature among the top performers. Assessment covered waiting times, queuing systems, e-gates, and efficiency. Hong Kong International Airport ranked first, followed by Singapore Changi Airport and Bahrain International Airport, with other top ten airports including Taiwan, Zurich and Jakarta4. Strengthening border capability will be critical to maintaining Australia’s global competitiveness and delivering a seamless traveller experience.
To fund a modern, and competitive border TTF is urging the Government to maintain the Passenger Movement Charge at its current rate while protecting existing Treasury allocations and directing future growth-related revenue toward the Border Modernisation program. BITRE forecasts indicate the charge will generate in excess of an additional $380 million by 2030, presenting a clear and sustainable funding source to strengthen border capability.
Ms Osmond said, “The Passenger Movement Charge provides a logical and sustainable funding stream to support border modernisation without increasing costs for travellers. By reinvesting growth in this revenue into frontline capability and smarter technology, the Government can strengthen security, improve the passenger experience and future-proof Australia’s borders for decades to come.”
Ms Osmond continued, “As a first point, the key priority is the digitalisation of the Passenger Arrivals Card. Replacing the paper-based system with a digital alternative would streamline processing, reduce wait times, enhance biosecurity and compliance, and deliver a more accessible and inclusive experience for travellers.”
As Australia prepares for continued growth in international travel and looks ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a modern border will be critical to supporting the visitor economy while maintaining strong security settings.
To see TTF’s full list of recommendations for review ahead of the upcoming Federal Budget, please see our newly released Pre-Budget submission here.
[1] Sydney Airport media, https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/corporate/media/corporate-newsroom/sydney-airport-traffic-and-operational-performance-q4-2025
[2] Brisbane Airport newsroom, https://newsroom.bne.com.au/centenary-year-delivers-record-breaking-trifecta-at-bne/
[3] Melbourne Airport newsroom, https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/international-records-tumble-at-melbourne-airport-in-january
[4] Skytrax 2025 World’s Best Airport Immigration Service rankings, https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airport-immigration-2025/