More than 8.2 million travellers passed through Queensland Airports Limited’s four airports last year, with Gold Coast Airport recording its busiest year ever for domestic travel.
Gold Coast welcomed 6.2 million passengers, while Townsville Airport welcomed 1.6 million - its third busiest year on record.
Gold Coast Airport also recorded positive growth on international routes including Auckland services which were up 13% on 2023 figures and Bali (Denpasar) which recorded an increase of 25% on the prior year. Key Asian markets are however taking longer to recover with many tourists currently favouring destinations such as Japan and Western Europe over many Australian markets.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said demand for travel remains strong.
“More than a quarter of a million additional passengers travelled through our four airports last year when compared with 2023,” Ms Evans said.
“Flights are operating at close to capacity on many of our key markets.
“Towards the end of last year, we recorded some of the highest aircraft loads we’ve ever seen in and out of Gold Coast Airport.
“Our team is advocating heavily for more capacity because what we’re currently seeing both domestically and internationally is that the demand is far outstripping supply,” she said.
“Townsville Airport also saw positive growth with 66,000 more passengers travelling on the Brisbane route than the year prior.”
“Our regional ports also recorded year on year growth with Mount Isa welcoming more than 237,000 passengers and Longreach Airport saw more than 33,000 passengers,” she said.
ENDS.
Media contact: QAL Strategic Communications, 07 5589 1414 or media@qldairports.com.au