Australia is a sovereign country comprising the entire mainland of the Australian continent along with the island of Tasmania. Among others, tourism continues to be one of the top contributors to the economy of the country. Airports in Australia facilitate the growth of global tourism activity in Australia, contributing to 1.3% of the overall nation’s economy.

This article lists some of the top international airports in Australia which are home to the world’s major airlines. Read along to know more.

Here are the top airports you should know about if you are visiting this country: 

Note: The services and other special features of the following airports are subject to change. Therefore, verify all the related information before planning a trip.

1. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), Sydney

Sydney Airport is one of the oldest airports in the world and also the busiest airport in Australia. Inaugurated in 1911 at a distance of 8 km from the city, this airport uses top airlines like Virgin Australia, United Airlines, Jetstar, Sunstate Airlines /Qantaslink, Emirates, etc. Its position at only 8 km from the city centre makes it easily accessible. 

• Address: 358H+QP Mascot, New South Wales, Australia
• ICAO Code: YSSY
• IATA Code: SYD
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: 
  • Terminal 1 is the international terminal from which only international flights are available between 4 am to 11 pm.
  • Terminal 2 is for domestic flights which are functional from 4 am to 11 pm.
  • Terminal 3 is the place from where Qantas domestic airlines and QantasLink airlines are available.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Animal relief area
  • Lost and found services
  • Medical assistance
  • Lounges
  • Prayer room
  • VIP rooms

2. Brisbane International Airport (BNE), Brisbane

Brisbane Airport ranks third for being Australia's busiest airport. Inaugurated back in 1925, this airport is conveniently located about 22 km from the city center. Major 23 airlines fly from here to 74 destinations around the globe such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia. 

• Address: J44C+8P Brisbane Airport, Queensland, Australia
• ICAO Code: YBBN
• IATA Code: BNE
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: 
  • Terminal 1 is the international terminal which is also called Terminal I or T1.
  • Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal whose other names are Terminal D or T2.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Medical assistance and first-aid services
  • Lost and found facilities
  • Lounges
  • Prayer room
  • Vending machines

3. Melbourne International Airport (MEL), Melbourne

Melbourne International Airport falls under the major list of airports in Australia. It is about 23 km away from the city center. Inaugurated in 1950, it is currently the second-busiest airport in Australia. Major airlines that fly from here are Qantas, American Airlines, Jetstar Airways, Regional Express Airlines, Virgin Australia, etc.

• Address: 8RHV+M5 Melbourne Airport, Victoria, Australia
• ICAO Code: YMML
• IATA Code: MEL
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: 
  • Terminal 1 is for domestic and regional airlines of Qantas.
  • Terminal 2 is for all international flights.
  • Terminal 3 is the domestic terminal from where Regional Express and Virgin Australia operate.
  • Terminal 4 is for buddomestic economicdomestic airlines.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Lounges
  • Currency exchange facilities
  • Medical assistance
  • Prayer rooms
  • Baby care facilities
  • Lost and found service
  • Food and retail outlets

4. Perth International Airport (PER), Perth

Perth Airport is also one of the top international airports in Australia, located only about 10 km from the main city. Inaugurated in the 1930s, it is currently the fourth-busiest airport in Australia. Major airlines operating from this airport are Air Asia, Air New Zealand, Air Mauritius, Airnorth, ANA, Air Asia X, Batik Air, Regional Express Airlines, Virgin Australia, etc.

• Address: 3X2F+G8 Perth Airport, Western Australia, Australia
• ICAO Code: YPPH
• IATA Code: PER
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: 
  • Terminal 1 handles all international flights, those originating or departing from Australia.
  • Terminal 2 deals with specific airlines like Virgin Australia Regional and Alliance Air.
  • Terminal 3 is mainly used by Jetstar and Qantas, with five jetways and nine gates.
  • Terminal 4 is an exclusive Qantas terminal with four jetways and nine gates.
  • The General Aviation Terminal is used privately for charter aircraft and mining companies.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Lounges
  • Children's playing area
  • Lost and found services
  • Foreign exchange facilities
  • Parenting rooms
  • Postal services
  • Medical assistance

5. Adelaide International Airport (ADL), Adelaide

Adelaide International Airport is at a distance of about 6.44 km from the city center, which shows its easy connectivity. Established in 1921, this airport is currently the fifth-busiest in Australia. Major airlines functional in this airport are American Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways, AirAsia X, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and many more.

• Address: Sir Richard Williams Ave, Adelaide Airport SA 5950, Australia
• ICAO Code: YPAD
• IATA Code: ADL
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: It has only one terminal that is operational for both international and domestic flights.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Lounges
  • Food and beverage outlets
  • Baggage services
  • Currency exchange facilities
  • Children’s play area
  • Medical assistance
  • Praying rooms

6. Canberra International Airport (CBR), North Canberra

Canberra International Airport is the 8th-busiest international airport in Australia. It is around 6.2 km away from the main city, Canberra. The airport started functioning in the 1920s and has undergone several expansions over the years. Airlines such as Rex Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, Link Airways, Fiji Airways and Fly Pelican are functional here.

• Address: Terminal Cct, Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia
• ICAO Code: YSCB
• IATA Code: CBR
• Category: International
• Operator: Capital Airport Group Pty Ltd.
• Number of Terminals: It comprises only one terminal which is both for international and domestic flights.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Lost and found services
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Babycare room
  • Prayer room
  • Baggage services
  • First-aid assistance
  • Currency exchange facilities
  • Private meeting rooms
  • Eateries

7. Cairns International Airport (CNS), Cairns

Cairns International Airport is among the busiest airports in Australia, ranking 7th. It is 5.6 km away from the city centre which makes it easy to travel. Established in 1928, this airport has improved with various expansion projects. Existing operating airlines include Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Rex Airlines, and so on.

• Address: 4PCX+VX Cairns City, Queensland, Australia
• ICAO Code: YBCS
• IATA Code: CNS
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: 
  • Terminal 1 handles all international flights with six jet bridges and ten gates. 
  • Terminal 2 is for domestic flights, having five jet bridges and 17 gates. 
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Currency exchange options
  • Lounges
  • Restaurants and eateries 
  • Duty-free shopping 
  • Baby care facilities

8. Darwin International Airport (DRW), Darwin

Inaugurated in 1919, Darwin is the 10th-busiest airport in Australia. Located conveniently at 8 km, this airport offers easy accessibility. Major airlines include Alliance Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Qantas, and Airnorth.

Recently, its terminal building underwent a major expansion with the plan of doubling the accommodation of passengers in peak hours.

• Address: Henry Wrigley Dr, Eaton NT 0820, Australia
• ICAO Code: YPDN
• IATA Code: DRW
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: The airport comprises one terminal which has two levels. The ground level is for domestic flights and the first level is for international flights.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Currency exchange service
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Lounges
  • Baby care facilities
  • Medical assistance
  • Prayer rooms
  • Restaurants and cafeterias

9. Gold Coast Airport (OOL), Bilinga

Inaugurated in 1989, this airport is located 90 km to the south of Brisbane. Currently, it is the 7th-busiest airport in Australia. It recently underwent expansions in its terminals and lounges. Major airlines are Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Rex Regional Express, Virgin Australia, Scoot And Airnorth.

• Address: Eastern Ave, Bilinga QLD 4225, Australia
• ICAO Code: YBCG
• IATA Code: OOL
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: This airport has one large terminal that serves both domestic and international passengers.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Lounges, assistance for disabled people
  • Shopping and dining facilities
  • Baby care facilities
  • Medical services 

10. Hobart International Airport (HBA), Tasmania

At a distance of about 17 km from the city centre, this airport is built over 1,400 acres of land. It was privatized in 1998 after serving as a public airport since 1948. The operational airlines of this airport are Virgin Blue, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, Tiger Airways, and Jetstar.

• Address: Strachan St, Cambridge TAS 7170, Australia
• ICAO Code: YMHB
• IATA Code: HBA
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: This airport has one integrated terminal serving both domestic and international flight travellers.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Baggage services
  • Faciltravellingraveling with animals
  • Lost and found services
  • Medical assistance
  • Duty-free shops
  • Cafes, bars, and restaurants

11. Townsville Airport (TSV), Garbutt

Townsville Airport is the 11th-busiest airport on the list of the total number of airports in Australia. It is only 3.7 km from the city centre and offers great connectivity with the rest of the city. Some popular airlines operating from here include Alliance Airlines, Virgin Australia, and Qantas.

• Address: Cnr Halifax St &, Stinson Ave, Garbutt QLD 4814, Australia
• ICAO Code: YBTL
• IATA Code: TSV
• Category: International
• Number of Terminals: This airport comprises an integrated terminal for both international and domestic flights.
• Services & Amenities: 
  • Lounge
  • Baby care facilities
  • Baggage claim