Domestic flights are at their fullest despite disruptions

Sydney Australia - June 1, 2017: People travel at Sydney domestic airport in Sydney Australia.
By James Harrison


The number of domestic flights travelling with full loads recently hit its highest level since records began in 1984 as aviation continues to recover from its struggles.

Data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) showed the July domestic passenger load figure at 85.8 per cent, beating the 2019 record of 84.5 per cent.

The routes with the least available seats during the peak holiday season were Cairns to Melbourne, Gold Coast to Melbourne and Adelaide to Gold Coast, with average load factors of 95.2 per cent, 95 per cent and 94.6 per cent respectively.

The most popular domestic route is Melbourne to Sydney, carrying 4.2 million people in 2022, followed by Brisbane-Sydney, which carried 2 million.

Airlines have reduced their capacity this year to keep up with record-high demand while impeded by insufficient staff levels and operational challenges. While travel demand is high, passengers have struggled with high cancellation rates, delays and long queues at the airport.

High travel demand is not limited to the Aussie domestic market, with new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showing air traffic globally has risen to 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

North America was the region with the highest passenger load, with a 145 per cent increase in August year-on-year, a capacity increase of 72 per cent and a load factor of 87 per cent. European carriers followed North America’s airlines, with August traffic jumping 79 per cent year-on-year, with a passenger load factor of 85.5 per cent and a 48 per cent capacity increase.

“Considering the prevailing economic uncertainties, travel demand is progressing well,” IATA director general Willie Walsh said, adding the removal of travel restrictions in areas, including Japan, will accelerate Asia’s recovery.

The last major market to remove its COVID travel restrictions is China. APAC airlines saw a 449 per cent increase in traffic compared to August 2021, with a capacity increase of 167 per cent. This is expected to skyrocket once China opens its border.

Featured Image: Sydney Domestic Airport (iStock/TkKurikawa)

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]