FLYING HIGH

Townsville Airport continues to post record figures

TOWNSVILLE Airport has experienced its ninth consecutive month of growth, recording a 7.5 per cent increase in passenger movements for the month of February.

Queensland Airports CEO Chris Mills said additional capacity and strong demand were driving passenger growth.

“It is pleasing to see the strong growth in the Melbourne market in particular, with traffic continuing to increase from both an inbound and outbound perspective,” Mr Mills said.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Rains said the growth indicated the city was recovering from an economic downturn.

“This is another indicator that things are starting to turn around,” Ms Rains said.

The figures have sparked renewed calls for the airport redevelopment to pick up pace.

Virgin has agreed to charge an additional $ 3 levy on tickets to help cover the cost, however Qantas is yet to join them.

TOWNSVILLE Airport has experienced its ninth consecutive month of growth, recording a 7.5 per cent increase in passenger movements for February.

Queensland Airports CEO Chris Mills said additional capacity and strong demand were key drivers for domestic and international passenger growth.

“It is pleasing to see the strong growth in the Melbourne market in particular, with traffic continuing to increase from both an inbound and outbound perspective,” Mr Mills said.

International growth of 33.4 per cent was delivered as a result of Air Niugini’s Port Moresby services, which will complete their first full year of operation this month.

“Our business development team continues to work closely with our airline, tourism and industry partners to expand connectivity to Townsville and beyond,” Mr Mills said.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Rains said the growth indicated the city was recovering from an economic downturn.

“This is another indicator that things are starting to turn around,” Ms Rains said.

“The town has still not fully recovered from some difficult economic times but we are seeing that there are some positive signs with business. It’s certainly picking up for the economy.”

Queensland Airports said to facilitate long- term passenger growth, Townsville Airport required an upgrade.

“Another month of passenger growth reinforces the airport’s need to push forward with the planned terminal upgrade, Project Alive,” CEO Chris Mills said. “It is critical our infrastructure meets our growing passenger numbers.”

Townsville Airport recorded its busiest January in history this year, with 128,906 passenger movements, up 8.9 per cent on 2017.

“While we have already commenced works … to expand the apron, our sights are firmly set on proceeding with terminal building work upgrades,” Mr Mills said.

Virgin has agreed to charge an additional $ 3 levy on tickets to help cover the cost, however Qantas is yet to do so.

Townsville Airport CEO Kevin Gill said it was vital to expand the airport.

“Townsville Airport believes that it has followed all necessary guidelines to determine a modest adjustment in its airport charge,” Mr Gill said.

Ms Rains said all parties involved needed to sit down with Qantas to find a favourable outcome.