The Canberra International Airport has been built up from an old airstrip that was first laid down in the 1920's, not long after the National Capital site was decided on.

Today, the airport is the main central hub for all flights within the South East area of New South Wales, as well as being a base for the Royal Australian Air Force, called "Fairbairn".

The airport today can handle traffic from Melbourne International or Sydney International (Kingsford Smith International), where weather conditions restrict landings, and is the focus of a third major hub in South-Eastern Australia for International Traffic.