Melbourne Airport has just experienced its busiest month on record welcoming a staggering 3,393,977 passengers in January.
This impressive figure surpasses the previous record of 3,322,940 passengers set in December 2019, marking a significant milestone for the airport.
This surge in traffic underscores Melbourne’s growing appeal as a global destination and a vital Australian hub for international travel.
January a Record-Breaking Month
January’s success saw the airport witnessing a record-breaking influx of international travelers, with 1,238,829 people passing through the international terminal. This included a record 671,135 arrivals, demonstrating the strong draw of Victoria for overseas visitors.
International Arrival Record
Remarkably, this international travel record comes just a month after the previous record was set in December 2024, with 1,147,533 international passengers.
This consistent growth reflects the increasing seat capacity at Australia’s largest 24-hour airport, facilitating smoother and more frequent international travel.
Comparing January’s figures to the same period last year reveals a substantial increase in passenger traffic. International passenger numbers soared by 14%, while domestic traffic also saw a healthy 5% rise.
The impressive growth in international travel is a result of strategic collaboration. Foreign carriers account for 72% of international capacity into Victoria.
Melbourne Airport has worked closely with the state government and airlines to reinstate flights and introduce new services. This proactive approach has yielded significant results.
Over the past year, several airlines have expanded their capacity into Melbourne. Notable amongst these are Turkish Airlines, Vietjet, Cebu Pacific, China Southern, and China Airlines.
Looking ahead, the airport anticipates further growth with Delta Air Lines and Virgin Australia set to launch flights to Los Angeles and Doha respectively in December.
Busiest Single Day in 5 Years
Adding to the excitement, January also saw the busiest single day in over five years. On Friday, January 24th, a remarkable 122,751 people traveled through the airport. This peak in traffic was likely fueled by the Australia Day long weekend and the Australian Open final, showcasing the airport’s ability to handle large volumes of passengers during major events.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus emphasized the collaborative efforts driving this success, highlighting the achievements of “Team Victoria” in enhancing the state’s accessibility for international tourists. It simultaneously improved connections for both local travelers and exporters.
“Since the Australian border reopened in 2021, we’ve been working closely with the Victorian government to rebuild international airline capacity into Melbourne. And we’re now seeing the benefits,” Argus stated.
Argus also stressed the positive ripple effect of increased airport activity on the broader Victorian economy. “When Melbourne Airport’s arrival halls are busy, Melbourne’s restaurants and cafes are busy, our hotels are busy and Victoria’s tourism industry is busy, which is great for employment and the state economy,” she explained.
Conclusion
The remarkable rebound in international capacity, from near standstill to record-breaking levels in just three years, is a testament to the airport’s strategic planning and execution.
“It’s incredible to think that in just three years we’ve rebuilt international capacity from close to nothing, to the point where we are setting new records,” Argus reflected.
Looking forward, Melbourne Airport is focused on managing this continued growth. “The challenge for us now is to deliver the infrastructure we need to cater for this ongoing growth,” Argus acknowledged.
To address this, the airport is undertaking significant infrastructure projects, including a new baggage system, a new road system, and a new runway. Furthermore, the airport is collaborating with airlines to expand the international terminal, ensuring they have the capacity needed for future expansion.
These investments demonstrate Melbourne Airport’s commitment to providing a world-class travel experience and supporting the continued growth of Victoria’s economy.
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