Counter-terrorism officers 'have booted 200 people off flights': Dutton

There's been a significant rise in the number of people being pulled off Australian flights amid heightened security fears, the federal government says.

Immigration Minister, Peter Dutton Source: AAP

Counter-terrorism officers have booted almost 200 people off flights at Australia's international airports in recent months, the immigration minister says.

Peter Dutton says 199 passengers have been offloaded from flights for national security reasons or other suspicious behaviour since July, compared to 336 for the entire year to June.

"Maintaining strong security at our borders is critically important in stopping those with evil intent or impressionable young people who have fallen prey to terrorist propaganda from leaving Australia to join murderous groups like Islamic State," Mr Dutton said in Brisbane on Friday.