Melbourne Airport reports record passenger numbers

Australia’s Melbourne Airport has revealed it welcomed a record number of passengers over the past 12 months.Figures from the airport showed there were a total of 27.18 million people departing and arriving at the terminal in the year up to October; with over 12,500 people currently working within the airport complex.

There was a strong increase in visitors taking flights to Australia from Asia, with an increase of 42.7 per cent in traffic from Malaysia, while visitors from Taiwan rose by 27.3 per cent and there was a 41.9 per cent surge in those travelling from Thailand.

The strong dollar also boosted the number of Australians taking trips overseas. Overall, there was a 16 per cent rise in international travel amongst Australian passport holders, compared to 2009 levels.

Melbourne Airport’s chief executive officer Chris Woodruff said: “Melbourne’s reputation for shopping, theatre, world-class food experiences and regional drawcards … make Victoria a premier Australian tourism destination.”

Written by Ruth Norris.