Melbourne Airport is set for a bumper summer holiday season of festive flying with more than 4.8 million people expected to pass through its terminals, including 1.8 million international travellers.
Between 13 December 2024 and 27 January 2025, Australia’s busiest 24-hour airport expects to set a new international travel record and surpass previous summer periods.
MEL also reported more than three million travellers in October, smashing its post-pandemic passenger records.
Jetstar and Virgin Australia forecast their busiest-ever summer in Melbourne, while international carriers, such as China Southern, Juneyao Airlines, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines and LATAM have added extra capacity this month.
Singapore, Auckland, Bali, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur are Melbourne’s top five international destinations with many using these hubs for onward connections.
In addition, Flight Centre data shows Melbourne is the agency network’s most booked domestic destination for the upcoming holidays with 20 per cent of Aussies heading to the Victoria capital, followed by Sydney and Brisbane.
As Melbourne Airport is currently upgrading its terminal and road infrastructure to help accommodate traveller growth, the hub recommends passengers add an extra 30 minutes to their travel time.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said staff look forward to welcoming holiday travellers with additional customer service, cleaners and engineers on hand to ensure a smooth start to the holiday season.
“We’re excited to play our part in the Christmas plans of so many Australians, but with such large volumes of people travelling this year, planning ahead will help ensure the best start possible,” she said.
New, larger passenger amenities are now available in international arrivals, however, Argus said the new elevated express roadway constructions means airport carparks are operating with fewer bays.
“Where possible, we would advise passengers travelling to and from the airport to use the Terminal 4 carpark drop-off and pick-up zones to avoid congestion in the main terminal forecourt,” she said.
“The forecast record international passenger numbers highlight the need for Melbourne Airport to start building its third runway, which was approved by the Federal Government in September.”
For more info, head to melbourneairport.com.au
