Arrival of Turkish Airlines takes Melbourne Airport to record March high
Melbourne Airport soared to new heights in March, setting a record for international passenger traffic, welcoming 923,065 international travellers, surpassing its previous March peak of 916,849 passengers back in 2018.
This surge in traffic comes on the back of Turkish Airlines’ entrance into the Australian market, injecting fresh capacity and competition.
Turkish Airlines initiated flights from Melbourne Airport to Istanbul, with a stopover in Singapore, starting from March 2nd. The new route not only offers travellers a novel gateway to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa but also invigorates the local aviation landscape.
While international traffic soared with an impressive 28 per cent year-on-year growth, domestic travel saw a more modest uptick of just 5 per cent. Capacity constraints and elevated airfares dampened domestic demand, marking the significance of increased competition in driving affordability and accessibility.
Overall, Melbourne Airport played host to a whopping 3,016,947 passengers in March, marking the fourth instance in the past six months where passenger volumes topped three million.
Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport, emphasised the pivotal role of competition and capacity in shaping air travel dynamics.
“The surge in international passenger numbers underscores the undeniable desire of Victorians to explore the world,” Argus, said.
“However, challenges persist in the domestic market, with capacity constraints and higher airfares impeding growth prospects.”
Despite acknowledging the hurdles airlines face, Argus highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to bolster operational efficiency and accommodate future growth.
Melbourne Airport has submitted plans for a parallel north-south runway to enhance choice and streamline operations for tourism, trade, and commerce.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Lorie Argus melbourne airport turkish airlinesLatest News
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