Melbourne Airport has recorded its busiest month on record, with 3,421,195 passengers travelling via the airport terminals in December.
The airport also set a new monthly record for the number of international flights it handled, with 5,596 services operated in or out of the international terminal, carrying a total 1,222,570 passengers.
Domestic passenger numbers were up 4.9 per cent on the previous December, with more than 1,000 additional services added by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar compared to the 2024 schedule.
Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said the new records highlighted the need for the airport’s investment in a third runway, terminal upgrades and increased road network capacity.
“We’re proud to be Australia’s largest 24-hour airport, and excited to have welcomed so many passengers through our doors in December,” he said.
“December was a huge month for us, with Delta Air Lines, Hong Kong Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines all launching flights to Melbourne Airport for the first time, and Finnair, Air Asia Indonesia and Maldivian Airlines each confirming plans to launch flights to Melbourne in 2026.
“This extra capacity is fantastic for consumers but also underscores the need for the investments we are making in our third runway, our terminals and our road network.
“In a few months we will open our new $500 million international baggage system, which will more than double the capacity of our existing system.
“Later in the year we will open new and expanded Pick Up and Drop Off zones for passengers using Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which will allow us to start upgrading the international terminal by expanding its footprint into the current arrivals forecourt.
“December traveller numbers were boosted by big events such as the Boxing Day Ashes test and Lady Gaga’s concert at Marvel Stadium.
“January is also shaping as a busy month as we prepare to welcome players and spectators from around the world for the Australian Open, and we know that when Melbourne Airport is busy, the city’s hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are busy too, which is great for local jobs and great for the Victorian economy.”
Melbourne Airport’s third runway is due to open in 2031.
