Australia's 24-hour global gateway Melbourne Airport sets new international record

Almost 37 million passengers travelled through Melbourne Airport in the 2026 Financial Year, with the airport marking the busiest 12-month period for international travel since its opening in 1970.

Passenger Traffic
- Total passengers FY2026: ~37 million (busiest year since opening in 1970).
- International passengers: 12,256,328 (first time surpassing 12 million).
- International flights: 57,002.
- Record month: December 2025 with 3.42 million travelers.

Top International Arrivals (by passport origin)
- China: 636,245 (+8%)
- New Zealand: 517,943 (+1.3%)
- India: 323,308 (-4.9%)
- United Kingdom: 201,261 (+9.4%)
- United States: 142,339 (+7.9%)

June 2026 Snapshot
- International passengers: 911,189 (-2.5% YoY)
- Domestic passengers: 1,861,074 (-0.1% YoY)
- Total: 2,722,263 (-0.9% YoY)
- Seat capacity to Middle East hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) still below pre-conflict levels.

Expansion & Infrastructure
- $4.5 billion investment: new international terminal, third runway, enhanced road network.
- October 2026 milestone: opening of larger free pick-up/drop-off zones at the new T123 Transport Hub.
- Border modernization: Federal Government committed to rolling out a new digital arrivals process.

CEO Insight
Lorie Argus emphasized that rising passenger volumes highlight the need for private and government investment to ensure smooth travel experiences, especially at international arrivals.

This positions Melbourne Airport as a critical Asia-Pacific hub with strong international growth, particularly from China, the UK, and the US, while preparing for future capacity with major infrastructure upgrades.