Just one average daily international flight is worth $190 million dollars to the Victorian economy each year, according to a new report released today by Melbourne Airport.
Research undertaken by economic advisory firm ConnellGriffin highlights the powerful role of aviation in delivering jobs and economic growth for Victoria and the nation.
The report found that in the 2025 financial year, Melbourne Airport contributed nearly $22 billion in direct and indirect gross value added (GVA) and supported approximately 239,000 direct and indirect jobs, accounting for nearly one per cent of Australia’s GDP.
Last month more than three million people travelled through Melbourne Airport, up 2.2 per cent on September 2024.
International travel continues to grow, with Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway processing 2,999,505 overseas travellers since the start of the financial year; a 3.2 per cent increase on the previous year.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new data and ongoing passenger growth underscored the value of efforts to increase international capacity and expand Victoria’s network of direct connections.
“With an average daily international flight worth $190 million to the state economy, the value of Melbourne Airport to the state has never been greater,” she said.
“Every time those aircraft wheels touch the tarmac, our economy is half a million dollars better off.
“Melbourne Airport is Victoria’s largest employment zone outside of the CBD, but its economic impact extends well beyond the 23,000 people who work on our precinct.
“We’re proud to enable Victoria’s cornerstone education, agriculture and tourism industries, and this research shows that the airport’s operations enable one in every 16 jobs in the state.
“As Victoria grows, we need to keep pace, which is why we’re investing billions of dollars in new infrastructure such as the third runway, new passenger pick-up and drop-off zones and an expanded international terminal.
Passenger figures for September 2025:
| Passengers | September 2025 | September 2024 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 996,076 | 983,158 | +1.3% |
| Domestic | 2,069,588 | 2,016,129 | +2.7% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 3,065,664 | 2,999,287 | +2.2% |
| Passengers | |
| International | 996,076 |
| Domestic | 2,069,588 |
| Total (excl. transits) | 3,065,664 |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to September 2025
Passenger figures for Financial Year to September
| Passengers | Financial Year 2025/26 | Financial Year 2024/25 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 2,999,505 | 2,907,276 | +3.2% |
| Domestic | 6,251,811 | 6,021,322 | +3.8% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 9,251,316 | 8,928,598 | +3.6% |
| Passengers | |
| International | 2,999,505 |
| Domestic | 6,251,811 |
| Total (excl. transits) | 9,251,316 |
*Percentage growth compared to FY 2024/25