Indian travel boom dominates Melbourne Airport record summer influx

Monday, December 18, 2023

Melbourne Airport is poised for a significant surge in international travelers during the upcoming summer holidays.

Anticipating more than 1.56 million international passengers between December and January, this marks a 7% increase from pre-pandemic levels and a substantial 44% rise from last year’s 1.08 million travelers during the same period.

Throughout December 20 to January 29, Melbourne Airport expects over 4.2 million individuals to pass through its terminals. This growth coincides with the introduction of Air India’s Melbourne-Mumbai service, marking the first direct connection between Victoria and Mumbai.

Prior to the inaugural flight, Mumbai, with a population exceeding 21 million, stood as Melbourne Airport’s largest unserved market. The new service, operating thrice weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, supplements Air India’s existing daily flights connecting Melbourne and Delhi.

Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport, highlighted the airport’s efforts in attracting new airlines and strengthening capacity with current partners as key contributors to this escalating international passenger traffic.

“We’re moving beyond pre-pandemic benchmarks in the international market, aiming to set new records,” Argus stated. “This unprecedented access to a city of over 21 million is a substantial win for our Indian community and the wider Victorian economy, made feasible through secure open skies agreements.”

Notably, last financial year, Melbourne Airport welcomed 433,000 Indian residents, surpassing all other Australian airports. To accommodate the bustling festive period, Argus recommended checking online for parking availability and allowing additional time for parking.

Acknowledging the expected busyness, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll emphasized Victoria’s growing appeal as an attractive destination for international visitors. He highlighted the significant boost in tourism for restaurants, hotels, and retailers when international flights land in Melbourne, subsequently benefiting the broader state economy and creating local job opportunities.

« Back to Page

• Jet2.com Crowned Best Airline at Routes Europe 2024 Awards

• International Air Transport Association Urges Pakistan and Bangladesh to Unlock Airlines $720M Revenue

• China Southern Airlines Expands Routes to Qatar Through Hamad International Airport

• Japan Airlines ESG Focus Earns Recognition in Tokyo Stock Exchange’s SX Brands 2024

• UNICEF and Iberia Team Up to Strengthen Child Survival in Latin America and the Caribbean