More than 900,000 international passengers travelled through Melbourne Airport last month, setting a new February record. The 915,456 international travellers welcomed in February 2024 represents 102% of the previous busiest February in 2019. Overall, Melbourne Airport welcomed a total of 2,859,942 people in February, just 7,301 travellers shy of the February record set in 2019. Passenger numbers were boosted by fans heading to Melbourne to see global music acts Taylor Swift, Pink and Blink 182, as well as the extra day of travel afforded by the leap year.
Passenger figures for February 2024: Passengers | February 2024 | February 2023 | Growth (%)* |
International | 915,456 | 659,641 | +39% |
Domestic | 1,944,486 | 1,653,057 | +18% |
Total (ex transits) | 2,859,942 | 2,312,697 | +24% |
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the strong international figures underlined the need for investment in airport infrastructure. “We’ve already started work to upgrade our international facilities, including a $500 million investment in a new state-of-the art baggage system and a refresh of the arrivals hall,” she said. “We know our international arrivals area can be busy during peak times, so we’re working with the Australian Border Force to streamline the experience as much as possible. We have also submitted plans for a parallel north-south runway, which will ensure we have sufficient capacity to accommodate international airlines and put competitive pressure on airfares. In recent months we’ve welcomed new services from Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Vietjet, Air Calin and Jetstar which mean more options for travellers and Victorian exporters, but our infrastructure needs to keep pace with demand.”
Melbourne Airport submitted its third runway plan to the federal government in February 2023.
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