Airport boss warns rebuilding international travel will take years despite the axing of restrictions

The boss of Queensland’s biggest airport has claimed it will take years to rebuild international travel into and out of the state, with passenger levels not expected to return to 2019 levels until 2024.

The boss of Queensland’s biggest airport has warned that rebuilding international travel will take years despite the axing of restrictions for vaccinated travellers.

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the announcement was “very good news for Queensland” but cautioned that it would not provide a quick fix for the tourism and travel sectors.

“Rebuilding international travel into and out of Brisbane Airport will take many months, as we will need destinations for Australians and inbound market nations to reopen,” he said.

“We are not expecting to return to 2019 route and passenger levels until 2024.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert Jan De Graaff at the Brisbane International Airport. Picture: Tara Croser.

“In the coming months, we hope to see some uptick in some passenger sectors coming into Queensland, especially with the return of international students for the commencement of university term. The State’s agricultural harvest is also under way and needing workers.

“Most importantly, there will be many families who will be greatly relieved that they can now reunite in Queensland as and when they need. We think the visiting friends and family sector will be the first to jump at this chance and hop on a plane to Queensland.”

A Virgin Australia aircraft taking off. The boss of Queensland’s largest airport says it will take time for 2019 passenger levels to resume. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

He said the decimation of the travel sector over the past two years would create “intense” competition for airlines and travellers.

“Although Queensland remains a world-famous destination and Brisbane remains a strong market for airlines to serve, airline businesses have suffered greatly from the pandemic, which means the competition amongst destinations for very scarce airline resources will be intense,” he said.

“We look forward to working cooperatively with airlines, the Government and the entire travel industry, to recreate and support demand for Queensland and see visitor numbers rebuild.”