The Undeniable Numbers
The foundation for this push is built on compelling data. India has rapidly emerged as one of Queensland’s most critical and fastest-growing international markets. In the year ending September 2025, the state welcomed 77,000 visitors from India, who injected
nearly USD 240 million into the local economy. This places India firmly among the top five inbound tourism markets for the state. The growth has been particularly explosive for the Gold Coast, which saw a 35 per cent year-on-year increase in Indian visitors. This surge is not seen as a temporary spike but as the beginning of a long-term trend, with Queensland’s government projecting the Indian market could be worth over $400 million annually by 2032.
Three Pillars of Demand
The demand for travel between India and Queensland rests on three strong pillars: tourism, education, and family connections. Beyond the holidaymakers drawn to the Great Barrier Reef and city life, there is a significant and consistent flow of people travelling for other reasons. Queensland is a major destination for Indian students, with over 22,000 enrolled in courses across the state in 2025. This creates a year-round need for travel, not just for the students themselves but for family members visiting them. Furthermore, Queensland is home to a vibrant and growing Indian diaspora of more than 93,000 people. This large community fuels a substantial amount of 'Visiting Friends and Relatives' (VFR) traffic, which is a steady and reliable component of travel demand that airlines value highly.
The Economic Domino Effect
For Queensland, the benefits of a direct air link extend far beyond the airline industry. Proponents argue it would act as a catalyst for widespread economic growth. Direct flights would make the state a more attractive destination, likely boosting hotel occupancy rates, visitor spending in retail and hospitality sectors, and creating new jobs. But the connection is also crucial for trade. India is already Queensland’s fifth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade hitting AU$13.1 billion in 2025. A direct flight would remove a significant friction point for business travel, facilitating easier collaboration, investment, and supporting the state’s multi-billion dollar export market, which is dominated by resources but also includes growing categories like agriculture.
A Coordinated Push
Recognising the opportunity, key stakeholders have moved beyond just talking about the issue. In a significant strategic move, Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), Brisbane Airport, and Experience Gold Coast have formally joined forces. This powerful alliance has appointed a dedicated representative in India to engage with travel trade partners and airlines, effectively creating a unified front to lobby for the route. This effort is backed at the government level. The Queensland government has highlighted the need for direct aviation links in its official India Trade and Investment Strategy and has established funds, such as the 'Connecting Queensland' fund, specifically to help secure new international routes. Community groups are also adding their voice, with organizations like the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) launching petitions.
The View from the Airlines
The final piece of the puzzle is airline interest, and there are promising signs. Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson, has publicly stated that Australia holds “plenty of untapped potential” and that the airline sees a “significant opportunity” to grow beyond its current services to Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane Airport executives have confirmed they are actively courting the airline, highlighting that a direct route would greatly strengthen both family and business connections. Speculation was further fuelled when a corporate job advertisement for Air India was spotted mentioning Brisbane alongside Sydney and Melbourne, a potential slip that observers noted would only make sense if the airline planned to fly there. While aircraft availability and network planning are complex, the clear intent to expand in Australia has made the prospect of a Brisbane route feel more tangible than ever.
