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Melbourne Airport, which is in the midst of a multi-year upgrade program including a third runway, had its busiest month ever in December after recording more than 3.42 million passenger movements through its terminals.
The airport also set a new monthly record last month for the number of international flights it handled, with 5,596 services operated in or out of the international terminal, carrying a total 1.15 million passengers.
This included flights by Delta Air Lines, Hong Kong Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines, which all launched services to Melbourne Airport for the first time in December.
Domestic passenger numbers were up 4.9 per cent on the previous December, with more than 1,000 additional services added by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar compared to the 2024 schedule. Total international and domestic passenger movements for the month were up 5.4 per cent.
The latest numbers compare with January last year when the airport saw a record 3.39 million passengers pass through its terminals, beating the previous high of 3.32 million set in December 2019.
Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation Jim Parashos says the latest December data highlight the need for the airport’s investment in a third runway, terminal upgrades and increased road network capacity.
“We’re proud to be Australia’s largest 24-hour airport, and excited to have welcomed so many passengers through our doors in December,” says Parashos.
“December was a huge month for us, with Delta Air Lines, Hong Kong Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines all launching flights to Melbourne Airport for the first time, and Finnair, Air Asia Indonesia and Maldivian Airlines each confirming plans to launch flights to Melbourne in 2026.
“This extra capacity is fantastic for consumers but also underscores the need for the investments we are making in our third runway, our terminals and our road network.”
Melbourne Airport’s third runway is due to open in 2031, while work is under way on stage two of the Naarm Way project, an elevated road system designed to improve access and reduce congestion at the airport.
“In a few months we will open our new $500 million international baggage system, which will more than double the capacity of our existing system and pave the way for some exciting enhancements for customers,” says Parashos.
“Later in the year we will open new and expanded Pick Up and Drop Off zones for passengers (via Naarm Way) using Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which will allow us to start upgrading the international terminal by expanding its footprint into the current arrivals forecourt.”
Melbourne Airport says traveller numbers in December were boosted by big events such as the Boxing Day Ashes test and Lady Gaga’s concert at Marvel Stadium.
“January is also shaping as a busy month as we prepare to welcome players and spectators from around the world for the Australian Open, and we know that when Melbourne Airport is busy, the city’s hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are busy too, which is great for local jobs and great for the Victorian economy,” says Parashos.
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