Melbourne Airport recorded its busiest month since the COVID-19 pandemic first began, with more than 991,000 passengers flying in March.
Domestic traveller numbers peaked at 980,364, a 21.9 per cent drop on March last year. Meanwhile, overall traveller figures were down by 42.7 per cent compared to March 2020.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said it was pleasing to see interstate travel start to make a recovery.
“March was a really strong month where we saw domestic passenger volumes grow significantly higher than in recent times, taking us closer to pre-COVID levels,” said Mr Strambi.
“The figures point to strong pent-up demand. People clearly want to fly interstate and confidence is growing as COVID outbreaks are managed quickly and effectively in each state.
“At the end of last month Brisbane went through a three-day lockdown and it proved successful in stopping the spread of the virus. Although the lockdown disrupted some travellers, we noticed a shift in travel habits. Rather than passengers cancelling plans all together they’re now adjusting bookings in response to restrictions, which is a welcome change.
“At this stage April traveller numbers appear to be even stronger than in March, supported by Easter, the school holidays and the return of international arrivals, however we’re still very much dealing with the pandemic where circumstances could change at any moment.”
Passenger figures for March 2021:
| Passengers | March 2021 | March 2020 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 10,787 | 473,846 | -97.7% |
| Domestic | 980,364 | 1,256,046 | -21.9% |
| Total (ex transits) | 991,151 | 1,729,892 | -42.7% |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to March 2020
Passenger figures for Financial Year to March 2020/21
| Passengers | Financial Year 2020/21 (‘000) | Financial Year 2019/20 (‘000) | Growth (%)* |
| International | 124,818 | 8,160,674 | -98.5% |
| Domestic | 3,000,960 | 18,790,948 | -84% |
| Total (ex transits) | 3,125,778 | 26,951,622 | -88.4% |
*percentage growth compared to FY 2019/20