A jump in international passengers from Asia, Britain and the United States has helped Sydney Airport more than double its profit.
The number of international passengers passing through Australia's busiest airport climbed by nearly five per cent in the first six months of 2014.
Chinese New Year, The Ashes and Vivid all helped lure extra international passengers to Sydney.
The strongest growth came from Asian countries, with the number of Hong Kong and Chinese markets rising by 17 and 15.8 per cent, respectively.
The increase helped push the airport's net profit to $53.9 million for the six months to June 30, up from $24 million in the same period a year ago.
The growth is expected to continue into the second half and next financial year as a number of airlines, many from Asia, put on extra services.
Chief executive Kerrie Mather said the growth reflected a long term trend of customer transition.
"The majority of European airlines that served Sydney fifteen years ago have been more than replaced predominantly by Asian and Middle Eastern carriers," she said on Thursday.
Sluggish domestic growth is also expected to pick up alongside expansion by low cost airlines, she said.
The profit result comes less than a week after Sydney Airport agreed to consult with the federal government on the development of an airport at Badgery's Creek in the city's west.
Sydney Airport has first right of refusal to develop the second airport.
It has hired experts to assess the possibility of operating the second airport.
Meanwhile, the company is considering building two new hotels and will continue to upgrade roads around the existing airport.
Growth across all its businesses, particularly its retail division, boosted first half revenue by 5.7 per cent to $568.4 million.
Shareholders received an 11.5 cent interim dividend, up from 11 cents.
The company is forecasting a full year dividend of 23.5 cents.
SYDNEY AIRPORT DOUBLES HALF YEAR PROFIT
* Net profit of 53.9m, up 125pct from $24m in 2012/13
* Revenue of $568.4m, up 5.7pct from $537.9m
* Interim dividend of 11.5 cents per share, up from 11 cents
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