Gold Coast Airport closed 2025 with its strongest December on record, driven by Trans-Tasman volume and a parallel surge in domestic traffic. The numbers point to a capacity-led strategy paying off, with New Zealand continuing to anchor the airport’s international economics.
More than 60,500 New Zealand passengers travelled through Gold Coast Airport in December across six Trans-Tasman routes, marking the airport’s highest December volume for that market. Domestic travel also reached a monthly high, with more than 500,000 domestic passengers and close to 600,000 passengers in total moving through the terminal.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the December outcome capped a strong year for the airport, which handled more than 6.2 million passengers across 2025.
“Our focus continues to be on improving connectivity across all the regions we operate and these results for Gold Coast Airport are largely driven by the increased capacity and new routes added to the airport’s network last year,” Evans said.
The December figures align with capacity additions already in the market rather than a single demand spike.
Why New Zealand continues to matter
New Zealand is Gold Coast Airport’s largest international market, with more than 600,000 passengers travelling annually on its six Trans-Tasman routes. December’s record reflects sustained demand on those services, supported by frequency and short-haul travel patterns.
“It’s very encouraging to see demand for these services continuing to grow, with even more capacity being added this year,” Evans said.
The Trans-Tasman market remains central to the airport’s international performance because it combines regular frequency with relatively short sector lengths, supporting consistent utilisation.
Domestic volumes underpin monthly records
Domestic travel was a major contributor to December’s overall result, with more than half a million domestic passengers passing through the airport during the month.
That volume supports baseline airline operations and provides stability during peak travel periods. For travel sellers, higher domestic frequency typically translates into broader fare availability and more scheduling options during school holiday and summer travel windows.
International growth and network changes
International passenger numbers at Gold Coast Airport increased by 14 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting additional capacity and route changes across the network.
One of the most notable developments for 2026 is the return of Qantas to the airport’s international network, with the airline set to operate services between the Gold Coast and Auckland with a business class cabin. The addition introduces premium seating on the airport’s busiest international route.
The airport is also preparing for expanded connectivity via Fiji Airways, which will provide one-stop access to the Gold Coast from North America and other Pacific markets via Nadi. This adds an additional routing option for inbound leisure travel.
How this may shape travel behaviour
The December results point to continued consumer preference for short-haul international and domestic travel during peak holiday periods, particularly routes that offer high frequency and relatively short flight times.
Higher passenger volumes on Trans-Tasman services suggest New Zealand remains a strong leisure market for Queensland-bound travel, supported by repeat visitation and seasonal demand patterns.
The return of business class capacity on the Gold Coast–Auckland route may broaden the traveller mix on that sector, accommodating travellers seeking additional comfort on short-haul international flights.
Fiji Airways’ expanded connectivity via Nadi introduces an additional entry point for North American leisure travellers, potentially influencing how visitors combine Australia with Pacific stopovers.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Gold Coast Airport’s December data shows how incremental capacity additions across domestic and short-haul international routes translate directly into higher monthly passenger volumes.
