Melbourne Airport experienced a busy start to spring handling more than 3.1 million travellers, while adding two new destinations to its schedule.
Domestic passenger traffic saw the biggest uplift rising by 1.5 per cent compared to September 2018 and overall traveller numbers rose by 0.4 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Asiana Airlines, a new carrier for the airport, announced a non-stop seasonal service to Seoul with flights launching in December, while Jetstar announced a new on-going service to Busselton commencing in 2020.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was pleased to welcome new services to cater to the airport’s growing passenger numbers, but remained cautiously optimistic about whether the domestic figures represented genuine ‘green shoots’ for the market.
“We are pleased to facilitate travel to Seoul for the first time in six years and are equally excited about adding a new domestic route to Busselton, which will give Victorians quick access to the Margaret River region,” said Mr Strambi.
“We’ve seen relatively flat growth across the domestic market for the past two years, so I’m really pleased for Victorian travellers that we’ve been able to work with our airline customers to find a new destination in Margaret River.
“It’s pleasing that September saw an uplift in the domestic market, and given the current economic climate both in Australia and globally, we’re hopeful that we’ll start to see demand creeping back into the market in the months ahead,” said Mr Strambi.
During the month, the airport also broke ground on two major developments that will significantly enhance both the capacity of the terminals and the amenity for travellers.
“To support our growth in aviation we are investing in airport infrastructure that will improve the traveller experience. Last month works started on our International Arrivals Hall expansion, which will future-proof the airport for our expected passenger growth over the next 20 years,” said Mr Strambi
“Ground was also broken on the airport’s new 464-room dual branded hotel that will stand just steps from Terminal 4. Once complete the hotel will provide 3 and 4-star accommodation options appealing to domestic and international travellers.”
Passenger figures for September 2019:
| Passengers | September 2019 | September 2018 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 935,609 | 956,978 | -2.2% |
| Domestic | 2,182,295 | 2,150,013 | 1.5% |
| Total (ex transits) | 3,117,904 | 3,106,991 | 0.4% |
| Passengers | |
| International | 935,609 |
| Domestic | 2,182,295 |
| Total (ex transits) | 3,117,904 |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to September 2018
Passenger figures for Financial Year 2019/20:
| Passengers | Financial Year 2019/20 (‘000) | Financial Year 2018/19 (‘000) | Growth (%)* |
| International | 2,879,048 | 2,898,569 | -0.7% |
| Domestic | 6,623,304 | 6,598,757 | 0.4% |
| Total (ex transits) | 9,502,352 | 9,497,326 | 0.1% |
| Passengers | |
| International | 2,879,048 |
| Domestic | 6,623,304 |
| Total (ex transits) | 9,502,352 |
*percentage growth compared to FY 2018/19