Melbourne Airport is preparing to welcome more than 1.7 million passengers over the upcoming school holiday period as Victorians look to beat the winter chill.

A total of 1,748,662 passengers are forecast to come through the terminals over the two-week school holidays, which represents a 9 per cent increase on the same holiday period last year.

The airport is expecting its busiest day since the pandemic on 5 July with 118,350 passengers forecast to arrive or depart. 

Bali is the international destination of choice for Victorians chasing the sun this winter along with the Singapore transit hub, while Sydney and Brisbane lead the way domestically.

Travellers making their way through the airport these holidays will be able to grab a cheap feed thanks to the launch of the Land a Deal campaign which will see each retail outlet offer a meal or drink special.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail Jai McDermott said passengers should be planning ahead to beat the holiday rush.

“It is going to be a busy couple of weeks here as we welcome an average of 100,000 passengers each and every day, so we encourage people to take the stress of finding a park out of the equation by planning ahead and booking their parking online,” he said.

“We’re advising passengers to add 30 minutes to their planned journeys as construction is underway on Naarm Way Stage 2 which may result in some extra build-up of traffic in the forecourt area. 

“We know a lot of our travellers are on a budget these holidays and our Land a Deal campaign gives them great value food and drink options across all four terminals.   

“Melbourne has shivered through a cold snap to start winter so it’s no surprise that many travellers are bound for sun-soaked beaches both here and abroad these school holidays.

“We’re ready for the busy period: we’ve flexed up operations across the business with more cleaning and security staff as well as additional customer service staff to greet you with a smile and help you get on your way.”