Airports tend to divide travellers into two categories. Some people turn up hours before their flight to milk the experience – think duty-free shopping sprees, lounge lizarding and a cheeky pre-flight prosecco. Others race through security, bolting straight to the gate with a Macca’s hash brown in hand. Whichever camp you fall into, one thing’s for sure – some airports make the journey way smoother than others. And now, a fresh ranking has revealed which Australian airports truly soar above the rest.
Every year, Skytrax’s World Airport Awards – basically the Oscars of the aviation industry – crown the best airports, both globally and regionally. The rankings are based on customer satisfaction surveys across 565 airports, judging everything from check-in and security to terminal layouts, food and retail options, and overall comfort.
Drumroll, please… In 2025, Melbourne’s Tullamarine International Airport soared into first place as the very best airport in the Australia-Pacific region. Despite not having a direct rail link to the city, the nation’s second-busiest hub (behind Sydney) was recognised for its major investments in terminal facilities, technology and staff training. Add in spacious lounges (some open 24/7), plus excellent coffee and dining options, and suddenly being a three-hour-before-flight traveller doesn’t sound so crazy.
Brisbane Airport swooped into second place on Skytrax’s list of the best airports in the Australia-Pacific region. In the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics, the airport is undergoing a $5 billion upgrade, featuring advanced security screening technologies, expanded retail areas, sustainability initiatives and plans for a third terminal to accommodate future growth. On top of that, Brisbane took home the title of Best Airport Staff in the region – so you're probably less likely to get yelled at for forgetting to empty your water bottle.
Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport landed in fourth place, boasting the best lounges in the region. Perth and Adelaide’s international airports also featured in the top ten, while the Gold Coast and Cairns impressed as surprise regional entrants. You can see the full rankings below.
The 10 best airports in Australia-Pacific for 2025
- Tullamarine International Airport, Melbourne
- Brisbane International Airport
- Auckland International Airport
- Kingsford Smith International Airport, Sydney
- Perth International Airport
- Adelaide International Airport
- Gold Coast Airport
- Nadi International Airport
- Christchurch International Airport
- Cairns International Airport