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From the arrival of royalty to Hollywood icons, triumphant Olympic returns to international diplomats, Brisbane Airport has proudly rolled out the welcome mat to Queensland for some of the world’s most recognisable faces.
Whether arriving for blockbuster film shoots, sold-out stadium tours, or sun-soaked escapes, celebrities have long found a warm welcome in Queensland’s capital.
As Brisbane Airport celebrates 100 years of flight and fame, we look back on the glittering arrivals that have lit up our runways.
These are more than just glitzy visits – they’re chapters in Brisbane’s cultural evolution.
Royal touchdowns
Queen Elizabeth II – 1954
Queen Elizabeth II's first visit to Brisbane on 9 March 1954 marked a historic moment as she became the first reigning British monarch to set foot in Queensland. Accompanied by Prince Philip, the 27-year-old Queen's arrival was met with immense enthusiasm and elaborate celebrations throughout the city.
The royal couple landed at Eagle Farm Aerodrome before embarking on a whirlwind seven-day tour, visiting Brisbane and seven regional centres. They were greeted by a sea of well-wishers and dignitaries, including Queensland Premier Vince Gair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman John Beals Chandler. The streets leading to the airport were adorned with floral tributes and decorations, reflecting the city's excitement and admiration for the monarch.
Prince of Wales – 1966 & 2018
In May 1966, a young King Charles III (former Prince of Wales) made his first visit to Queensland. The 17-year-old was in Australia studying in Geelong, and during his stay travelled to Queensland, even stopping to admire the Southern Cross aircraft used by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on display at Brisbane Airport.
Charles and Camilla visited Brisbane again, arriving by RAAF plane in 2018 en route to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana – 1983
Diana Princess of Wales undertook her first overseas tour – and her first-ever trip abroad – at 22 years of age.
Dressed in a vibrant blue dress, Diana warmly greeted enthusiastic fans at Brisbane Airport.
Diana, Prince Charles and a baby Prince William spent more than 40 days in Australia and New Zealand, seeing the sights and meeting with dignitaries and locals.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge – 2012
Prince William and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, spent a whirlwind two hours in Brisbane Airport during their nine-day tour of the South Pacific in 2012.
The couple waved to travellers as well as members of the public standing behind glass on a viewing platform on the next floor.
Aviation pioneers
Captain Jack Treacy – 1922
In December 1922, Captain Jack Treacy, a World War I pilot, was the first to land his Sunbeam Avro aircraft The Queen of Sheba at Eagle Farm (now Brisbane Airport).
Captain Treacy had returned to Australia after WWI and dedicated himself to advancing aviation.
Operating without the modern navigational aids, his daring operations introduced flight to many Queensland communities. Treacy also used his plane for practical purposes such as delivering films and newspapers across vast distances.
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm – 1928
On 9 June 1928, aviation pioneers Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm landed at Eagle Farm (now Brisbane Airport) to a crowd of 25,000 people. They had flown from the United States of America to Australia in the aircraft ‘Southern Cross’. The journey of 11,585kms took 83hrs of flying time across three legs including stopovers at Hawaii and Fiji.
Ulm and Kingsford Smith were instant celebrities. Prime Minister Stanley Bruce presented them with a £5000 cheque from the people of Australia and the pilots were awarded honorary commissions in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Kingsford Smith was appointed honorary squadron-leader, Ulm flight-lieutenant and both were awarded the Air Force Cross.
Bert Hinkler – 1928
In February 1928, Australian aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler achieved the first-ever solo flight from England to Australia, piloting his Avro Avian G‑EBOV over more than 18,000km in just over 15 days – a staggering reduction from the previous record of 28 days.
After touching down in Darwin he landed amid roaring cheers at Eagle Farm (now Brisbane Airport) before journeying on to his hometown of Bundaberg. The spectacle cemented Hinkler’s status as a national hero and symbolised the possibilities of long-distance flight in the early 20th century.
Amy Johnson – 1930
In May 1930, British aviator Amy Johnson made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, with Brisbane marking one of the final and most celebrated stops on her ground breaking journey.
After navigating over 18,000km in her Gipsy Moth biplane Jason, she arrived at Eagle Farm (now Brisbane Airport) to a hero’s welcome, with thousands of spectators cheering her on. She was attempting to beat Australian Aviator, Bert Hinkler's record of London to Australia in 15 and a half days.
Deborah Lawrie AM – 2024
On International Women’s Day 2024, Deborah Lawrie AM took the helm of a special Virgin Australia flight dispatched, operated and managed by an all-female team out of Brisbane Airport.
Deborah Lawrie AM is celebrated as Australia’s first female pilot for a major commercial airline after her landmark victory when she won Australia’s first successful sex discrimination case for employment. In 1978 she applied to Ansett Airlines but was rejected simply for being a woman. She took the case to the Victorian Equal Opportunity Board and the High Court ruled in her favour in 1979.
Her 50-year career has seen other achievements including her spot in the Aviation Hall of Fame in 2020 and appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.
Gold medals and gate calls
Don Bradman – 1959
Don Bradman, widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest players, made a notable return to Brisbane in 1959. This visit was significant, as it marked his first public appearance in the city since his retirement from international cricket in 1948.
Rod Laver – 1961
Champion tennis player Rod Laver was greeted by his mother and sister Lois when he returned to Brisbane Airport after his triumphant 1961 tennis season, when he captured his first Wimbledon singles crown.
Pat Rafter – 1998
Legendary Australian tennis champ Pat Rafter was greeted by his mother and sister at Brisbane Airport after winning the 1998 US Open men's singles title, marking his second consecutive US Open victory – he also won the tournament in 1997. Pat was returning home to the Sunshine State where he has lived for most of his life.
Brazil’s Soccer Team – 2000
Brazil’s soccer team arrived at Brisbane Airport on their way to the Sydney Olympics. The team were full of promise with a dominant footballing legacy; however, despite being favourites, the gold medal proved elusive for them.
Brisbane Lions – 2003
Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss presented the AFL trophy to fans on arrival at Brisbane Airport after their three consecutive premiership wins in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Keiren Perkins – 1996
Kieren Perkins landed at Brisbane Airport after winning gold in the 1500m freestyle at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Perkins’ mother Gloria and elated fans met the Olympic team at Brisbane Airport for their triumphant homecoming.
Queen's Baton Relay lands at BNE – 2017
The Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay touches down at BNE in December 2017, prior to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Rockstars on the runway
The Beatles – 1964
On the night of 29 June 1964, The Beatles landed at Eagle Farm Aerodrome just after midnight. An estimated 8,000 fans gathered to greet them, creating a scene of mass hysteria. The crowd's fervour was so intense that over 200 uniformed police officers and 20 detectives were deployed to manage the situation. Despite the heavy security, six girls required medical attention due to fainting and hysteria.
The Beatles performed two shows at Brisbane's Festival Hall as part of their Australasian tour, which included stops in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch. Over 200,000 fans attended their shows across these eight cities.
Justin Bieber – 2017
Bieber Fever reached Brisbane! A group of diehard fans camped out at Brisbane Airport as popstar and professional heartthrob Justin Bieber touched down for his Suncorp Stadium show.
Lady Gaga – 2012
Lady Gaga touched down at Brisbane Airport in her private jet ahead of the Australian leg of her ‘Born This Way Ball’ tour, greeted by her ‘Little Monsters’, the term she affectionately gave her dedicated fanbase.
Billie Eilish – 2025
Music megastar Billie Eilish walked through the terminal of Brisbane Airport after arriving with her entourage on a Qantas flight from Melbourne.
The group were whisked through into a private area and into a black van outside the Domestic Terminal.
Billie was dressed in a jacket, NY flat cap and baggy shorts to conceal her identity from the public.
Lights, camera, Brisbane!
Brisbane Airport has welcomed several screen celebrities over the years – Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Margot Robbie and George Clooney, to name a few.
Brisbane Airport has served as the backdrop for several films, showcasing its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere on the big screen.
Films and TV shot in Brisbane Airport
2024 – Black Pean Season 2 - International and Domestic Terminal
2022 – Upright S2 – Level 2 of Brisbane Domestic Terminal
2021 – Young Rock – Level 2 of International Terminal
2021 – Ticket to Paradise – International Terminal
2021 – Thirteen Lives – International Terminal
2018 – Dora the Explorer – International Terminal
2002 – Scooby Doo Spooky Island – International Terminal
Diplomacy in transit
Lyndon B Johnson – 1966
US President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first incumbent US President to visit Australia in 1966.
He visited five Australian cities, including Brisbane from 22 to 23 October, as well as Townsville and Port Douglas, where he was able to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Upon arrival at Brisbane Airport, the President gave a speech, remarking on his stay in Australia.
G20 Summit World Leaders – 2014
The G20 was one of the most important logistical events in Brisbane Airport’s history, with the arrival of 26 world leaders requiring coordination of more than 70 G20 aircraft.
Marking the biggest weekend in Brisbane Airport’s history, airport staff welcomed the likes of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Read more: Dive into every moment of our history in our detailed timeline.