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Australia’s competition regulator flags potential of higher fares amid airports’ infrastructure investments
March 9th 2026
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned passengers face higher airfares as the cost of record infrastructure spending at the nation’s airports flows through to ticket prices. Read More » Australia’s four largest airports by passenger numbers - Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney - have proposed A$20 billion (US$1.4 billion) in infrastructure spending over the next 10 years for projects such as new terminals and runways, the ACCC’s airport monitoring report said. Infrastructure spending by the four airports rose 43% to A$1.5 billion in 2024/25. "Large capital programs are likely to place upward pressure on airport charges paid by airlines, which may result in higher airfares for passengers as these costs are recouped," ACCC commissioner, Anna Brakey, said. "It is important that airport charges reflect sensible and timely investment decisions, efficient costs and a rate of return that matches the risks involved." The ACCC noted it did not regulate airport charges. "The ACCC has consistently raised concerns that the current monitoring framework is inadequate and an ineffective constraint on the behaviour of the major airports, who hold market power."
