Townsville Airport has started the year on a high after recording its busiest January in history, with close to nine per cent growth in passenger movements.

The airport’s eighth consecutive month of growth saw 128,906 people pass through the terminal, 8.9 per cent more than January last year.

The previous January record was in 2013 when 128,327 people were welcomed and farewelled through Townsville Airport, which is owned by Queensland Airports Limited.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said Melbourne continued to be a strong source of inbound visitation.

“Information we have from Tigerair is that 65 per cent of their passengers who book a return trip between Melbourne and Townsville originate in Victoria,” Mr Mills said.

“That is great news for our economy and local businesses which reap the benefits of increased visitation and associated spending.

“We also saw growth between Brisbane and Townsville, which was buoyed by the return of the business market.

“It is positive to see strength in both leisure and business visitation as Townsville’s growth story continues to unfold.”

Mr Mills said passenger growth highlighted the importance of planned upgrades at the airport.

“Our Project Alive terminal redevelopment is critical to our ability to facilitate long-term passenger growth, and we are confident of the benefits this will deliver the local community and economy,” he said.

ENDS

Contact: media@qldairports.com.au

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