Melbourne Airport’s February passenger traffic results

According to Chinese astrology, this smart, confident zodiac has a preference for the directions north and northwest. This is fitting given China, one of our biggest growth markets, lies to the north of Melbourne.

Many Chinese passport holders joined us to celebrate Chinese New Year in February, with a 15 per cent increase in arrivals.

Total international passengers at Melbourne Airport grew by more than 11 per cent compared to the same time last year, reaching 745,162 passengers for the month. This growth was led by China and other key markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, UK and US.

Increased services and a 40 per cent growth in seat capacity on airlines flying to China also contributed to an overall increase of almost 30% in passenger movements.

Air China introduced a new direct service to Beijing in June and increased its number of scheduled flights in November. Over the past 12 months China Eastern increased services from seven to 10 per week while China Southern added a further four weekly services.

Etihad's second daily service to Abu Dhabi, which commenced in August 2015, has improved Victoria's connection to the UK and Europe. In February, passengers to the UK increased by 8.6 per cent with an 11.3 per cent growth to European countries such as Germany (12.7%), Italy (16.5%) and France (6.5%).

Families returning from extended interstate holidays and visitors taking advantage of Victoria's major events calendar contributed to a strong domestic performance in February with domestic passenger movements growing by 6.8 per cent compared to last February, reaching a total of 1,939,784.

Quotes attributable to Lyell Strambi, Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer

"Increased capacity due to new services contributed significantly to inbound international growth in February."

"Our outstanding international results continue to follow the strong economic growth across Asia and China in particular. International passenger numbers increased by an extraordinary 11.3% as we welcomed almost 800,000 passengers in the month of February alone."

"Domestic growth of almost 7 percent is particularly remarkable given expectations of a softening domestic aviation market in the wake of a downturn in the resources sector."

"Large scale events in the world's most livable city continue to attract visitors from all over the country, and the world. We welcomed 1,200 performers from the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, who attracted thousands more to their five shows. The 24th annual Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo was also held in February, attracting 5,000 people which included 523 exhibitors from 31 countries."

"This consistent international and domestic growth reflects the strong commitment of our airline customers to Victoria and its world renowned major and business events."

Passenger figures for February

*monthly percentage growth compared to February 2015

Strong performing nationalities by passport holders for February 2016 include:

*monthly percentage growth compared to February 2015