Passenger numbers have soared 5.9 per cent at Townsville Airport in the past 12 months, with the domestic market driving growth.

In the 2018 financial year, a record 1,670,143 passengers passed through the airport – up from 1,576,500 in the previous year, marking the airport’s busiest fiscal year on record.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said Townsville Airport had seen steady growth during the financial year.

“Growth in the domestic market is a positive outcome following a 1.6 per cent decline in the previous financial year,” he said.

“The first half of this year has been strong, but a reduction in domestic and international airline capacity may constrain passenger growth in coming months.

“However, Townsville’s fundamentals remain strong, and we are working with our airline and industry partners to support and grow domestic and international services through the region.”

Townsville Airport achieved a record month for passenger numbers in January 2018, and clocked up 10 consecutive months of growth up to April.

Mr Mills said more than $90 million had been invested in Townville Airport in the past 20 years and planned upgrades would ensure the airport met growing passenger demand.

“A total of $20 million has been invested as part of an $80 million Project Alive upgrade and QAL is working with our airline partners to reach an agreement for the remaining elements to be delivered,” he said.

Work on a new $2.2 million road entrance, which will provide more efficient and attractive access to the airport, will start soon.

Queensland Airports Limited also owns and operates Gold Coast, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

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