Melbourne Airport Nears Year-End Rebound with Fee Adjustments

100,000 travelers pass through Melbourne’s Airport terminals during this time.

Amidst the onset of September, a time synonymous with school holidays and a final getaway opportunity before the closure of 2023, Melbourne Airport gears up to handle an impressive surge of 100,000 travelers passing through its terminals each day for a fortnight.

Fueled by the resurgence of major Chinese airlines and an unprecedented surge in traffic to and from Vietnam, Melbourne Airport (MEL) has steadily augmented its flight offerings throughout the year. The airport has diligently collaborated with its airline and airport associates to reconstruct operations as passengers made their triumphant return, concurrently making strategic investments in terminal infrastructure and technological enhancements to expedite passenger flow.

This strategic approach has facilitated a seamless recovery for passengers, enabling Melbourne Airport to navigate the year's challenges relatively unscathed, evading the limelight. Rather than grappling with queries concerning its ability to handle the holiday surge, Melbourne Airport's Chief of Aviation, Jim Parashos, found himself merely highlighting the self-evident fact that no problems loomed.

Addressing the media, Parashos acknowledged the enduring pressure of a high cost of living but underscored the enduring strength of travel demand. He emphasized that, for the next two weeks, the airport would be playing host to crowds akin to those attending Grand Final events in Australian Rules and Rugby League football, which coincide with this period. He added:

"During these busy times we encourage our passengers to plan ahead by booking parking online and allowing extra time for check-in and departure formalities. As always, we ask for patience and as there can be lines at busy times we have extra staff on to ensure you get to where you need to be as smoothly as possible."

In August, the airport reported a 22% year-on-year passenger growth, accommodating 2.82 million travelers compared to 2.31 million in 2022. International traffic surged by 55% to reach 849,710 passengers, while domestic passengers rose by 11% to 1.97 million. In comparison to August 2019, total passenger traffic reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, with international travel rapidly approaching 89.6% and domestic travel reaching 90.7%.

Regarding the recovery, Parashos disclosed that the airport had not only welcomed back its pre-pandemic airlines but also three new carriers: Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and AirAsia X. In addition to the existing 36 airlines, Melbourne Airport is actively exploring opportunities for new services from various corners of the globe.

"We think there is still a real opportunity for North America where there is high demand and the market is underserved. We also believe we can offer better connections into Canada with nonstop services and the team is working really hard to make that happen.

"The challenge is the airlines need to have the aircraft available for what would be the longest sector on their network. I would say Air Canada is a matter of when not if, although unfortunately it won't be this Christmas but hopefully it will be a Christmas present for next year."

In addition to the surge in school holiday travel, September's passenger traffic will receive an additional boost from the return of group travel from China. The resumption of outbound group travel from China has been one of the last remaining border restriction hurdles, and, for the first time since the pandemic's arrival, it will return to Melbourne during China's Golden Week holiday from September 29 to October 6."

 

Source: simpleflying.com