China Southern Airlines is set to increase its flight frequency to Brisbane Airport to twice daily starting from 30 March 2026, marking a significant step in expanding its international services. The airline’s new schedule will operate year-round, providing more than 114,000 additional seats annually on next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft, which are recognized for their fuel efficiency and quieter performance. This move underscores China Southern's commitment to strengthen connectivity between China and Queensland, further facilitated by a new codeshare agreement with Virgin Australia that enhances travel options within Queensland and beyond.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO of Brisbane Airport, stated that this expansion would be the highest frequency the airline has ever operated since 2010 and would significantly boost international travel capacity. Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, highlighted the economic benefits, noting that the new flights would generate increased tourism and support local businesses. Jason Sun, Regional General Manager of China Southern Airlines, expressed confidence in the Queensland market and emphasized the role Brisbane plays within the airline’s broader network, offering seamless connections to over 220 destinations from Guangzhou.
Economic and Infrastructure Support
The capacity increase aligns with ongoing infrastructure investments, including the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport's joint initiative through the Connecting Queensland Fund. Brisbane Airport has committed a $5 billion investment over five years as part of its Future BNE transformation project to enhance airport facilities and services. The move is anticipated to boost international travel, which is expected to grow during the upcoming summer holidays, with Brisbane projecting a record 25 million passengers this year.
Overall, the service expansion by China Southern Airlines will improve regional connectivity, facilitate international trade, and foster cultural exchange between Queensland and China, consolidating Brisbane’s position as a vital aviation hub in the region.
