Gold Coast, Queensland – Gold Coast Airport has cemented its position as a top destination for Australian travellers, recording its busiest year ever for domestic passengers.
Record Domestic Travels for the GC Airport
Over 5.6 million passengers travelled through the airport in the last financial year, surpassing the previous record by over 210,000 and marking a 5% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The Gold Coast’s popularity is evident in its strong connection to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, with routes between these destinations ranking among the top five busiest in the country.
The airport also welcomed 706,000 international travellers, bringing the total number of passengers to 6.3 million.
Additionally, the city has seen a surge in visitors from New Zealand, with an 8% increase in passenger numbers.
Queensland Airports Limited’s Chief Operating Officer, Marion Charlton, attributes this growth to several factors, including cost-of-living pressures that have led Australians to favour domestic destinations over international travel.
This trend was particularly noticeable during the summer school holidays, with January emerging as the busiest month in the airport’s history for domestic travel.
“While international travel has been slower to recover compared to pre-pandemic levels, domestic travel is making up the difference with around 5% more domestic travellers this year than in FY19,” said Charlton.
The record-breaking year highlights the Gold Coast’s resilience and appeal as a premier holiday destination, solidifying its position as a key player in the Australian tourism industry.
