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Brisbane Airport has been home to many big moments.
Brisbane Airport has been home to many big moments.

History and photos of Brisbane Airport, including celebrities and big moments

It sees travellers come and go every day, but Brisbane Airport has been home to everything else in between.

Opened March 19, 1988 by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, the airport was established to replace the existing terminals at Eagle Farm, which had been used since 1925 but were by then inadequate for a city the size of Brisbane.

New era

In February 1971 a joint committee featuring members of the Australian government, the Queensland Government, and the Brisbane City Council recommended the construction of a new airport 5km north.

About 60 homes were resumed, including nearly all of Cribb Island, the famous childhood home of music stars the Bee Gees.

On June 5, 1980 the first sod turning in the construction was done by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, with the airport expected to cost $300 million once finished in 1986 (the final cost was $425 million).

On November 30, 1987 the first commercial departure – a Qantas Boeing 747-238B with 410 passengers – left heading for Hong Kong.

The timing was perfect ahead of the looming 1988 Expo coming to the city.

More information: Brisbane Airport Corporation

Brisbane Airport sees millions of travellers every year. Picture: Liam Kidston
Brisbane Airport sees millions of travellers every year. Picture: Liam Kidston

The path ahead

In September 2024 work started on a massive upgrade of Brisbane Airport’s international terminal, including major changes to passenger processing, refurbished retail outlets and a doubled duty free store, as part of a $5bn investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

In the biggest transformation since the terminal opened, security screening and passport control will be moved from the windowless third floor to the level-four atrium to accommodate new hi-tech screening equipment, allowing travellers to leave items such as laptops in their bags.

The dramatic overhaul was partly driven by the need to upgrade security screening equipment by the end of 2025 to meet federal standards.

Meanwhile, planning for a third terminal to integrate domestic and international passengers was underway and was expected to open just before the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

Celebs and big moments

From the arrival of royalty to scandals, and from triumphant Olympic returns to tragic family sagas, Brisbane Airport has been home to a variety of big moments across the years.

There was the drama that surrounded Christopher Skase as the businessman’s empire collapsed in the 1990s.

There have also been inspiring moments when the airport has seen those in need make emergency landings.

On the lighter side, sports stars and international celebrities have been common.

While the changing face of the airport itself – or at least plans to change – have drawn endless comments and debate.

See below all the dramatic, wild and memorable photos over the years >>>

Early days of the new Brisbane Airport.Qld history linkblock
Early days of the new Brisbane Airport.Qld history linkblock
Kieren Perkins and mother Gloria in 1996 after the swimmer’s Olympic gold.
Kieren Perkins and mother Gloria in 1996 after the swimmer’s Olympic gold.
Kiwi International Airlines plane on the tarmac.
Kiwi International Airlines plane on the tarmac.
Peter Foster (left) walks alone without handcuffs as police take him off the plane at Brisbane Airport in 1996.
Peter Foster (left) walks alone without handcuffs as police take him off the plane at Brisbane Airport in 1996.
Kiwi Air flight KC002 was grounded and towed to the end of the tarmac at Brisbane Airport in 1996.
Kiwi Air flight KC002 was grounded and towed to the end of the tarmac at Brisbane Airport in 1996.
David Lamond with crane and concrete walls at the new air freight warehouse construction site in 1997.
David Lamond with crane and concrete walls at the new air freight warehouse construction site in 1997.
Burns victims flown from Papua New Guinea arrive in 1996.
Burns victims flown from Papua New Guinea arrive in 1996.
Singer/songwriter James Brown arrives in 1996.
Singer/songwriter James Brown arrives in 1996.
Top British golfer Nick Faldo arrives to play the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1997.
Top British golfer Nick Faldo arrives to play the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1997.
The world’s largest twin-engined aircraft, the Boeing 777, touches down.
The world’s largest twin-engined aircraft, the Boeing 777, touches down.
Kiwi International Airlines plane at Brisbane airport.
Kiwi International Airlines plane at Brisbane airport.
Pivot Chairman Michael Shanahan & Managing Director Bob Campbell at Brisbane Airport in 1995.
Pivot Chairman Michael Shanahan & Managing Director Bob Campbell at Brisbane Airport in 1995.
Asia Pacific Design Group's Peter Dawson (left) with Noel Robinson at Brisbane Airport.
Asia Pacific Design Group's Peter Dawson (left) with Noel Robinson at Brisbane Airport.
A massive Boeing 777 touches down in 1996.
A massive Boeing 777 touches down in 1996.
ARL chief executive John Quayle at Brisbane Airport to meet Brisbane players over Super League.
ARL chief executive John Quayle at Brisbane Airport to meet Brisbane players over Super League.
Rod Laver is greeted by his mother and sister Lois when he returned to Brisbane Airport after his triumphant 1961 tennis season.
Rod Laver is greeted by his mother and sister Lois when he returned to Brisbane Airport after his triumphant 1961 tennis season.
Ramp loader Alf Sawatzki watches on in 1996.
Ramp loader Alf Sawatzki watches on in 1996.
Indy cars arrive at Brisbane Airport in 1996.
Indy cars arrive at Brisbane Airport in 1996.
Cathay Pacific 747 with graffiti in 1998.
Cathay Pacific 747 with graffiti in 1998.
A 1998 map of the proposed Brisbane Airport Rail Link Route.
A 1998 map of the proposed Brisbane Airport Rail Link Route.
Sir Don Bradman touches down in 1959.
Sir Don Bradman touches down in 1959.
An emergency landing at Brisbane Airport in 1997.
An emergency landing at Brisbane Airport in 1997.
A drawing of the proposed Brisbane Airport upgrade in 1998.
A drawing of the proposed Brisbane Airport upgrade in 1998.
Compass Staff at Brisbane Airport in 1990.
Compass Staff at Brisbane Airport in 1990.
Damon Falcongreen, Colin Morse and Graham Norris at the Brisbane Airport land sale in 1998.
Damon Falcongreen, Colin Morse and Graham Norris at the Brisbane Airport land sale in 1998.
The old Eagle Farm Airport site in 1995.
The old Eagle Farm Airport site in 1995.
Emergency landing in 1997.
Emergency landing in 1997.
Ex Ansett worker Nick Walsh in 1997.
Ex Ansett worker Nick Walsh in 1997.
Ansett’s domestic terminal in 1998.
Ansett’s domestic terminal in 1998.
Filmmakers Priscilla Cameron and Michelle Warner in 1997.
Filmmakers Priscilla Cameron and Michelle Warner in 1997.
A vapour trail is captured near Brisbane Airport.
A vapour trail is captured near Brisbane Airport.
Brisbane Airport Corporation discuss airport noise in 1998.
Brisbane Airport Corporation discuss airport noise in 1998.
Aviation historian Ted Wixted at the Brisbane Airport memorial to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.
Aviation historian Ted Wixted at the Brisbane Airport memorial to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.
PM John Howard leaves Brisbane Airport in his 'C1' in 1997.
PM John Howard leaves Brisbane Airport in his 'C1' in 1997.
China Southern Airline's first flight into Brisbane Airport in 1997.
China Southern Airline's first flight into Brisbane Airport in 1997.
Princess Diana in 1983.
Princess Diana in 1983.
Cathay Pacific aircraft stored at Brisbane Airport due to lack of space in Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific aircraft stored at Brisbane Airport due to lack of space in Hong Kong.
Elle Macpherson arrives in 1998.
Elle Macpherson arrives in 1998.
Ansett aircraft on the runway.
Ansett aircraft on the runway.
An aerial view in 1998.
An aerial view in 1998.
Singer Marilyn Manson at Brisbane Airport in 1999.
Singer Marilyn Manson at Brisbane Airport in 1999.
Fisherman Islands and Brisbane Airport.
Fisherman Islands and Brisbane Airport.
The noise footprint of the proposed Brisbane Airport redevelopment in 1999.
The noise footprint of the proposed Brisbane Airport redevelopment in 1999.
Indy race cars arrive at Brisbane Airport.
Indy race cars arrive at Brisbane Airport.
Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar arrives for the 2000 cricket tour.
Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar arrives for the 2000 cricket tour.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Ltd's commercial services general manager Diederik Pen at the TNT new cargo terminal.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Ltd's commercial services general manager Diederik Pen at the TNT new cargo terminal.
Mikhail Gorbachev arrives at Brisbane Airport by private jet in 1999.
Mikhail Gorbachev arrives at Brisbane Airport by private jet in 1999.
Artwork of the Proposed $40 million Brisbane Airport Hotel in 1999.
Artwork of the Proposed $40 million Brisbane Airport Hotel in 1999.
Gateway Arterial roundabout sign leading to the airport.
Gateway Arterial roundabout sign leading to the airport.
Map of Brisbane Airport showing distance to the nearest residential areas compared to other major Australian airports.
Map of Brisbane Airport showing distance to the nearest residential areas compared to other major Australian airports.
The airport in 2000.
The airport in 2000.
Artwork of the proposed AQIS office project at Brisbane Airport Corporation Export Park in 2000.
Artwork of the proposed AQIS office project at Brisbane Airport Corporation Export Park in 2000.
Captain Sachin Tendulkar followed by coach Kapil Dev with the Indian cricket team in 1999.
Captain Sachin Tendulkar followed by coach Kapil Dev with the Indian cricket team in 1999.
Progress on the new overhead light rail work in 2000.
Progress on the new overhead light rail work in 2000.
Pat Rafter is greeted by his mother and sister after winning his second straight US Open title in 1998.
Pat Rafter is greeted by his mother and sister after winning his second straight US Open title in 1998.
Artwork of the $12 million Brisbane Airport Carpark in 2000.
Artwork of the $12 million Brisbane Airport Carpark in 2000.
Brazil’s soccer team arrive for the 2000 Olympic Games.
Brazil’s soccer team arrive for the 2000 Olympic Games.
Broncos stars Kevin Walters and Shane Webcke.
Broncos stars Kevin Walters and Shane Webcke.
Artwork of the proposed $300 million Brisbane Airport City Hotel.
Artwork of the proposed $300 million Brisbane Airport City Hotel.
Richard Branson at the launch of Virgin Blue in 2000.
Richard Branson at the launch of Virgin Blue in 2000.
Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss presents the AFL trophy to fans on arrival at Brisbane Airport.
Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss presents the AFL trophy to fans on arrival at Brisbane Airport.
Ansett jet in a hangar in 2001.
Ansett jet in a hangar in 2001.
Former Ansett workers rally outside the Brisbane Airport.
Former Ansett workers rally outside the Brisbane Airport.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Brisbane Airport being greeted by Heather Beattie and Peter Beattie in 2002.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Brisbane Airport being greeted by Heather Beattie and Peter Beattie in 2002.
First train on new Brisbane Airport line in 2000.
First train on new Brisbane Airport line in 2000.
Australian Workers Union (AWU) Queensland state secretary Bill Ludwig in 2000.
Australian Workers Union (AWU) Queensland state secretary Bill Ludwig in 2000.
Winter Olympics gold medal Steven Bradbury in 2002.
Winter Olympics gold medal Steven Bradbury in 2002.
Qantas problems at Brisbane Airport, after the announcement of staff reductions.
Qantas problems at Brisbane Airport, after the announcement of staff reductions.
Athlete Marion Jones arrives at the Brisbane Airport, to compete in the 2001 Goodwill Games.
Athlete Marion Jones arrives at the Brisbane Airport, to compete in the 2001 Goodwill Games.
Allan Langer leaves Brisbane Airport in 2001 after his surprise State of Origin return for Queensland.
Allan Langer leaves Brisbane Airport in 2001 after his surprise State of Origin return for Queensland.
Christopher Skase at Brisbane Airport in 1990.
Christopher Skase at Brisbane Airport in 1990.
Impulse airlines staff hand back their uniforms.
Impulse airlines staff hand back their uniforms.
Members of band AC/DC arrive at Brisbane Airport in 2001.
Members of band AC/DC arrive at Brisbane Airport in 2001.
Evacuees from Honiara arrive at Brisbane Airport aboard RNZAF Hercules.
Evacuees from Honiara arrive at Brisbane Airport aboard RNZAF Hercules.
The Bjelke Petersen clan arriving in 1980.
The Bjelke Petersen clan arriving in 1980.
USA singer Courtney Love arrives for the Big Day Out concert in 1999.
USA singer Courtney Love arrives for the Big Day Out concert in 1999.
The Sir Charles Kingsford Smith plane the Southern Cross on display at the Brisbane Airport.
The Sir Charles Kingsford Smith plane the Southern Cross on display at the Brisbane Airport.
Swimmer Tracey Wickham leaves a plane at Brisbane Airport in 1978.
Swimmer Tracey Wickham leaves a plane at Brisbane Airport in 1978.
A mutual admiration pact was formed at the Brisbane Airport between Miss Australia, Tania Verstak, and Debra Williamson, 4, of Camp Hill.
A mutual admiration pact was formed at the Brisbane Airport between Miss Australia, Tania Verstak, and Debra Williamson, 4, of Camp Hill.
A Jetstar aircraft has the words
A Jetstar aircraft has the words "GO ROOS" painted on the side of it for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Brisbane Airport chaos in 2007.
Brisbane Airport chaos in 2007.
Clown Doctors raise funds at the Brisbane Airport, Domestic Terminal in 2008.
Clown Doctors raise funds at the Brisbane Airport, Domestic Terminal in 2008.
Brisbane Airport drive traffic.
Brisbane Airport drive traffic.
Views of Brisbane International Airport.
Views of Brisbane International Airport.
Fire near the Brisbane Airport in 2007.
Fire near the Brisbane Airport in 2007.
Artwork of the Spine at Brisbane Airport on Airport Drive.
Artwork of the Spine at Brisbane Airport on Airport Drive.
Qantas flight from Townsville which landed at Brisbane Airport with hydraulic fuel on its wheels in 2008.
Qantas flight from Townsville which landed at Brisbane Airport with hydraulic fuel on its wheels in 2008.
Brisbane International Airport was very quite during Covid in 2021. Picture: David Clark
Brisbane International Airport was very quite during Covid in 2021. Picture: David Clark
Storm clouds over Brisbane Airport. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Storm clouds over Brisbane Airport. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Covid kept things locked down. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Covid kept things locked down. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Flight crew of United Airlines’ inaugural Los Angeles to Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled
Flight crew of United Airlines’ inaugural Los Angeles to Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled
Brisbane International Airport during Covid. Picture: David Clark
Brisbane International Airport during Covid. Picture: David Clark
Fog near Brisbane Airport. Picture: Sanctuary Cove Concierge and Transfers
Fog near Brisbane Airport. Picture: Sanctuary Cove Concierge and Transfers
Premier Steven Miles at the Government Air Wing in 2024.
Premier Steven Miles at the Government Air Wing in 2024.
Qantas cabin crew at Brisbane Airport.
Qantas cabin crew at Brisbane Airport.
Queensland Olympians arriving home to Brisbane Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston
Queensland Olympians arriving home to Brisbane Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston
REX Airlines went into voluntary receivership in 2024. Picture: Liam Kidston
REX Airlines went into voluntary receivership in 2024. Picture: Liam Kidston
Brisbane Domestic Airport during IT outage in July 2024. Picture: Richard Walker
Brisbane Domestic Airport during IT outage in July 2024. Picture: Richard Walker
Workers cutting concrete on the runway. Picture: Liam Kidston
Workers cutting concrete on the runway. Picture: Liam Kidston
Brisbane airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff, Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman during a sod turning event for a new Aeromedical Hub at Brisbane Airport in 2024. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire
Brisbane airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff, Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman during a sod turning event for a new Aeromedical Hub at Brisbane Airport in 2024. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire
Queensland Olympians arriving home in 2024. Picture: Liam Kidston
Queensland Olympians arriving home in 2024. Picture: Liam Kidston
Inside the revamped Emirates Lounge at Brisbane International Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston
Inside the revamped Emirates Lounge at Brisbane International Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston
Brisbane Domestic Airport departure check-in area in December 2023. Picture: David Clark
Brisbane Domestic Airport departure check-in area in December 2023. Picture: David Clark
The Beatles arrival at Brisbane Airport in 1964.
The Beatles arrival at Brisbane Airport in 1964.
The first Alliance Aviation Embraer 190 lands in 2020.
The first Alliance Aviation Embraer 190 lands in 2020.
People arriving from Adelaide following new quarantine laws in November 2020.
People arriving from Adelaide following new quarantine laws in November 2020.
Planes parked at Brisbane Airport.
Planes parked at Brisbane Airport.
Plane spotters gather for the last flight of the 747 at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston.
Plane spotters gather for the last flight of the 747 at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston.
Incoming passengers are screened by police as they arrive at Brisbane domestic airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled
Incoming passengers are screened by police as they arrive at Brisbane domestic airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled
War birds doing a fly over during the opening of the Brisbane Airport’s second runway. Picture: Peter Wallis
War birds doing a fly over during the opening of the Brisbane Airport’s second runway. Picture: Peter Wallis
Passengers embrace after reuniting at Brisbane airport as border restrictions are finally lifted into Queensland. Picture: Lachie Millard
Passengers embrace after reuniting at Brisbane airport as border restrictions are finally lifted into Queensland. Picture: Lachie Millard
QANTAS maintenance facility at Brisbane Airport. Picture: David Clark
QANTAS maintenance facility at Brisbane Airport. Picture: David Clark
2018 artist impressions of Brisbane's second runway.
2018 artist impressions of Brisbane's second runway.
President of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots Captain Louise Pole at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Glenn Hunt / The Australian
President of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots Captain Louise Pole at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Glenn Hunt / The Australian
Airport workers protesting outside Brisbane Airport in 2018.
Airport workers protesting outside Brisbane Airport in 2018.
Jacinta Messer all set for Brisbane Airport's lost property auction. Picture: Tara Croser.
Jacinta Messer all set for Brisbane Airport's lost property auction. Picture: Tara Croser.
Bali Nine drug smuggler Renae Lawrence arrives at Brisbane Airport in November 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled
Bali Nine drug smuggler Renae Lawrence arrives at Brisbane Airport in November 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled
Brisbane Airport hosted a cricket game in the past.
Brisbane Airport hosted a cricket game in the past.
Virgin pilot recruits at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Glenn Hunt / The Australian
Virgin pilot recruits at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Glenn Hunt / The Australian
Pool at the Hotel Pullman Brisbane Airport.
Pool at the Hotel Pullman Brisbane Airport.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/special-features/in-depth/history-and-photos-of-brisbane-airport-including-celebrities-and-big-moments/news-story/e51c60f076c21f3a55c8cf83717cbc89