Melbourne Airport claims new pax record

Almost 37 million passengers travelled through Melbourne Airport in the 2026 Financial Year, with the airport marking the busiest 12-month period for international travel since its opening in 1970. Annual international passenger numbers through the Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway surpassed 12 million for the first time, with a total of 12,256,328 people welcomed across 57,002 international passenger flights. The 2026 financial year included Melbourne Airport’s busiest month on record, with 3,421,195 people transiting through the four terminals in December 2025. Across the financial year, the top non-Australian arrivals by passport country of origin were: China 636,245 (up 8%) New Zealand 517,943 (up 1.3%) India 323,308 (down 4.9%) United Kingdon 201,261 (up 9.4%) United States 142,339 (up 7.9%) Monthly passenger numbers in June were down slightly on the previous year, with seat capacity to the key Middle East hubs of Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi progressively resuming, but yet to return to pre-conflict levels. Domestic traveller numbers were relatively stable in June despite a reduction in airline seat capacity but grew 2.2 per cent across the 12-month period. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the growing passenger volumes highlighted the need for the airport’s privately funded investment in its road network, airfield and terminals along with government investment in a modernised border. “We’ve committed to a $4.5 billion expansion of our international terminal, a new third runway and an enhanced road network to cater for Melbourne’s growth,” she said. “Passengers will start to notice some of these changes in October, when we open our new and much larger, free pick up and drop off zones for Qantas, International and Virgin Australia travellers in the T123 Transport Hub. Given the growing volume of travellers, the international arrivals process is currently one of our biggest passenger pain points, so we’re pleased the Federal Government has committed to fixing this. We’re excited to work with the Federal Government to ensure a seamless rollout of the new digital arrivals process in Melbourne.” Dnata adds jobs at Rome airport Dnata is marking the next phase of its growth in Italy by offering permanent employment to 300 colleagues across its airport operations in Rome and Milan. Effective this month, the move covers 150 employees at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and a further 150 across Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Linate (LIN) airports. It forms part of dnata Italy’s long-term workforce strategy, supporting greater employment stability, skills development and operational resilience across three of the country’s major aviation hubs. The milestone comes as dnata continues to enhance one of its largest airport services operations in Europe. In recent years, the company has expanded its presence in Italy through its entry into FCO, the full integration of its Italian ground handling business under the dnata brand, and continued investment in advanced infrastructure and fleet. Across the three airports, dnata now employs approximately 5,000 people and serves more than 60 airline customers. Its teams handle more than 150,000 flights, 46 million passengers and almost 18 million bags each year, providing passenger, ramp, baggage and cargo ramp services. At FCO, where dnata secured a seven-year ground handling licence in February 2025, the company has continued to build its team and capabilities. The station now employs more than 2,500 people and serves 25 airline customers, with over 80,000 flights handled since launch and around 700 new ground support equipment (GSE) units deployed. In Milan, dnata continues to strengthen its presence across MXP and LIN, while progressing its cargo expansion at Malpensa. Construction is well underway on the new €25 million facility, which will have an annual handling capacity of over 100,000 tonnes. Scheduled to open at the end of 2027, it is expected to create 200 additional jobs. The conversion of 300 roles into permanent positions follows agreements previously signed with trade unions in Italy. These include measures designed to further develop the organisation, support the development of internal talent and promote employee welfare initiatives, including programmes that promote a better work-life balance. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]