Perth Airport marks 40 years of international growth and transformation

Perth Airport’s T1 International terminal is celebrating 40 years as Western Australia’s gateway to the world, marking four decades of extraordinary growth in international travel and a new era of transformation for passengers.

Opened on 25 October 1986 by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, the terminal was built to meet the growing demands of a rapidly developing State and to welcome visitors arriving for one of Western Australia’s most significant international moments — the America’s Cup in Fremantle.

Since then, Perth Airport’s international operations have grown from a small network of global services into a major aviation gateway, connecting Western Australians to destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa and New Zealand, while supporting tourism, trade, business and investment.

In FY26, 5.55 million international passengers travelled through Perth Airport, with international passenger numbers continuing to grow strongly as Western Australia’s links with key global markets strengthen.

Comments attributed to Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook
“Since welcoming its first international passengers in October 1986, Perth Airport's T1 has played a pivotal role in connecting Western Australia with the world, opening the door to global visitors, business opportunities and investment.

"Over the past four decades, T1 International has helped drive our State's growth, strengthening links with key international markets and supporting our tourism, trade and investment sectors.

"As Perth Airport embarks on its next chapter, the development of a new world-class terminal precinct will deliver significant economic benefits to the State and further enhance Western Australia's connectivity with the world.

"My Government remains focused on growing aviation capacity and working closely with Perth Airport and our airline partners to expand tourism, improve access to Western Australia and reinforce Perth's position as Australia’s Western Gateway."

Comments attributed to Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters
"The milestone was an opportunity to reflect on how far the airport had come, while looking ahead to the next stage of growth.

“T1 International has played a central role in opening Western Australia to the world over the past 40 years,” Mr Waters said.

“From farewelling travellers on their first overseas holiday to welcoming visitors, students, workers, business delegations and families from around the globe, this terminal has been part of millions of Western Australian stories.

“As our State has grown, Perth Airport has grown with it. International travel is now a critical part of Western Australia’s economy, supporting tourism, resources, education, agriculture and business connections across the world.

“We are now investing for the next generation of travellers, with a multi-billion-dollar transformation program that will deliver expanded terminal facilities, a new runway, improved roads, multi-storey car parks and a better, more connected airport experience.”

“The program includes a new 3,000-metre parallel runway, an expansion of T1 International, new domestic terminal facilities, upgrades to Terminal 2, two multi-storey car parks, major road improvements and Perth Airport’s first hotel. Together, these projects will create additional capacity and deliver easier transfers, improved terminal access, more airline choice, better amenities and a more seamless journey for passengers.

"The investment will deliver Perth Airport’s long-held One Airport vision, bringing all commercial flight services together in the Airport Central precinct to create a simpler, more connected airport experience with easier transfers and better access to terminals, parking and ground transport.

“The next chapter will be about building on that legacy — creating an airport that is easier to use, better connected and ready to support Western Australia’s growth for decades to come.