School holiday traveller numbers are set to soar, with Melbourne Airport preparing to welcome almost two million passengers during the two-week break as Victorians chase the sun.
A total of 1,927,927 passengers are forecast through the airport from Friday, July 4 to Monday, July 21 – which represents a five-per-cent increase on the same time last year.
These numbers include a total of 647,927 international and 1,280,000 domestic passengers.
The airport will welcome an AFL grand final crowd every day of the holidays with a daily average of 107,000 passengers.
The busiest day is expected to be Friday, July 11, with more than 118,000 passengers forecast.
Travellers will be welcomed by some new faces these holidays with the Tourism Group taking over visitor services.
The new visitor information hub is located in the international terminal and is aimed at providing passengers a one-stop shop for all travel enquiries, including local tours and transport options along with lost property.
Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said the Tourism Group will be a great addition to the airport.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Tourism Group who, along with our smiling volunteers, will provide travellers a centralised hub to answer any questions they may have these holidays,” Mr Parashos said.
“It’s no surprise given how cold it’s been lately that passengers are chasing the sun in large numbers, with the beaches of South East Asia a favourite this winter,” he said.
“We’re undertaking some pretty extensive works within the T123 carpark at the moment as we build brand new drop-off and pick-up levels – to avoid this construction, head to the T4 carpark these holidays for a smoother journey … you can take the stress out of your airport journey by jumping online and booking your parking in advance and allowing a little extra time to check-in and get to the gate.”
