Townsville Airport has recorded its biggest month on record for passenger movements, with more than 158,000 people moving through the terminal in July.

The increase from just over 149,500 passengers in July 2016 represents year-on-year growth of more than six per cent.

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the airport’s performance provided a strong foundation for the new financial year.

“Off the back of this result we anticipate strong performance in the year ahead and look forward to expanding our airport to cater for this,” Mr Gill said.

“We work closely with our airline and tourism partners to strategically grow inbound visitation to Townsville and our efforts in this regard appear to be paying off.”

Mr Gill said commencement of Tigerair’s services to Melbourne had encouraged July’s positive result.

“Tigerair’s strong early performance has been driven by inbound demand from Melbourne residents who have responded to the first stage of the marketing campaign currently underway in Victoria,” he said.

“Approximately 75 per cent of Tigerair’s passengers are inbound to Townsville and our hotels and tourism operators are reporting the positive impact of these visitors to our region, many of whom are visiting for the first time.

“This route and the associated marketing campaign are part of a disciplined and targeted tourism development strategy by the airport in conjunction with Townsville Enterprise Limited, Townsville City Council and Tourism and Events Queensland to target large southern interstate markets such as Melbourne.

“This reinforces the airport’s role in driving tourism and economic development for the city and supports our investment strategy.”

Townsville Airport is owned and operated by Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) a regional airport specialist which also operates Gold Coast, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

Media contact: media@qldairports.com.au.

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