Key points:

• 36.7 million people flew through Melbourne Airport in FY17/18.
• Six new airlines and six new international destinations added in the year to 30 June.
• International travel for June 2018 up by 12.4 per cent on June 2017. 

Australia’s busiest 24/7 airport smashed passenger records yet again by welcoming 36.7 million travellers in the 12 months to 30 June, an increase of 4.4 per cent compared to the previous year.  

The airport’s aviation footprint increased significantly over the same period with six new airlines joining the network and six more international destinations opening up, bolstering Melbourne’s offering for both local and international travellers. 

Reflecting on the year’s performance Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was proud of Melbourne Airport’s achievements. 

“Melbourne Airport’s growth in the past 12 months has been unparalleled in the history of the airport, hitting record breaking figures in international seat capacity and passenger traffic,” said Mr Strambi.  

“Our data shows that passenger numbers sky rocketed to almost 37 million people overall during the last financial year, with the international market driving that much of that growth.  

“The trend is set to continue as more airlines join Melbourne’s network, opening up non-stop long-haul routes to exciting new destinations, such as Vancouver and Santiago which we added last year.  

“Thanks to the growing number of airlines operating out of Melbourne, we have been able to introduce more than a million new international seats in the past year, creating significant potential for leisure and business travel.   

“Overall international passenger figures are up by 9.4 per cent compared to the previous financial year. In the last month more than 900,000 travellers used Terminal 2, an increase of 12.4 per cent for the month compared to June 2017. In addition, close to 26 million people travelled on the domestic network via Melbourne, a rise of 2.5 per cent compared to the 2016/17 financial year. 

“There’s never been a better time to fly and we are proud to facilitate connections as the gateway to Victoria.” 

Visit Victoria CEO Peter Bingeman said that Melbourne Airport’s phenomenal FY17/18 results were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff at Melbourne Airport, the company’s ability to adapt and grow with changing global markets, and Melbourne’s standing as a global city.   “Congratulations to Melbourne Airport for a fantastic End of Financial Year result. As the primary gateway to Victoria for many of our visitors and with more direct international connections than ever before, the importance of Melbourne Airport cannot be understated.   “Visit Victoria is proud to support Melbourne Airport’s work to create a greater experience for all travellers as our tourism numbers continue to surge. 

“Melbourne Airport’s impressive adaptability and plans for expansion show that the state will be held in good stead for the future, and I have the utmost confidence that we’ll continue to see record breaking results in the years to come.”  

Mr Strambi said the airport recently released its 2018 Master Plan Preliminary Draft outlining the airport’s vision, objectives and strategic intent for the next 20 years.  

“Delivering a high quality traveller experience underpins the projects featured in the 2018 Master Plan Preliminary Draft, ranging from the redevelopment of the T2 Arrivals Hall and new terminal building, to a reconfigured At Terminal T123 Transport Hub featuring streamlined pick-up and drop-off plus a third runway,” said Mr Strambi.   

“Melbourne is predicted to overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city by population during the 2030s and the airport must be equipped to grow with the city. With passenger numbers expected to reach almost 70 million people per year by 2038 and annual aircraft movements expected to rise from 238,000 to 384,000, the need for expansion is crucial. 

“To meet that requirement we need to construct a third runway to increase aircraft movements from around 55 movements per hour to around 100 per hour in order to facilitate tourism, freight and trade.  

“Of course we know a rail link is a desirable option and we will continue to support a mass transit solution. We are optimistic about the future of Melbourne Airport and expect our passenger and aviation growth to continue.” 

Passenger figures for FY2017/18

*Note, figures are rounded

Passenger figures for June 2018

*Monthly percentage growth compared to June 2017