Melbourne Airport had its busiest month on record in December with 3,421,195 passengers travelling through its terminals.
The airport also set a new monthly record for the number of international flights handled, with 5,596 flights operated in international terminals, carrying a total of 1,222,570 passengers.
This includes services from new airlines to the airport like Delta Air Lines, Hong Kong Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines, which launched their services to the airport for the first time in December.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos confirmed Finnair, Air Asia Indonesia and Maldivian Airlines would 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,” he said.
International passenger numbers rose 6.5% year-over-year to 1,222,570 while domestic passenger numbers rose 4.9% to 2,198,625.
More than 1,000 additional domestic services were added by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar compared to the 2024 schedule.
Parashos said passenger numbers were boosted by large events during the month and the airport was expecting another busy month in January.
“December traveller numbers were boosted by big events such as the Boxing Day Ashes Test and Lady Gaga’s concert at Marvel Stadium,” he said.
“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.”
He also said the record numbers highlight the need for the airport’s investment in a third runway, terminal upgrades and increased road network capacity.
“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,” Parashos said.
“Later in the year, we will open new and expanded Pick Up and Drop Off zones for passengers 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 will open its third runway in 2031.
Total flights for the 2025/26 financial year to December also rose by 4.3% year-over-year to 19,128,424.
