Traveller numbers through Melbourne Airport hit post-pandemic high

Traveller numbers through Melbourne Airport hit a new post-pandemic high in July, with more than 2.9 million people passing through the terminals. For the first time since the onset of Covid-19, Melbourne Airport processed a monthly total of more than two million domestic passengers, while international traveller numbers surpassed 900,000. The overall number represents 90% of the passengers carried in July 2019, with domestic traffic at 90% and international travellers at 92% of the pre-pandemic figure. International travel was heavily weighted to arrivals (55%), reflecting the end of winter school holidays and the return of overseas students. The top countries for non-Australian passport arrivals into Melbourne were China, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said more international competition would increase options for Australian travellers and exporters. “We believe there is significant potential for improved access to Australia, and Melbourne in particular, through Asia-Pacific and the Middle East,” she said. “Liberalising the Bilateral Air Service Agreements process through an open skies approach would significantly improve Australia’s connectivity with the world. The current framework adopts a “just-in-time” approach to capacity decisions but given the long lead times required to establish new services, having negotiations undertaken well in advance would provide airlines with certainty and help improve viability. This would improve outcomes for passengers by encouraging international airlines to actively compete in our market to provide the best price, enhanced service and improved reliability for customers.” To help cater for future passenger growth, Melbourne Airport has submitted plans for a parallel north-south runway. Subject to government approval, it is hoped the runway will open in 2030. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]