Lift- off as passenger numbers rise

IN A positive sign for Townsville, the airport recorded its strongest passenger growth in eight years for March.

Townsville Airport recorded 14.6 per cent growth last month, with 141,703 passengers, which was 18,019 more than March last year.

It is Townsville’s strongest March on record and 10th consecutive month of growth.

Airport chief executive officer Chris Mills said the recovery of the region’s economy showed in the results.

“Townsville is one of the country’s fastest growing airports and that is demonstrative of the recovery of the North Queensland economy,” he said.

The standout route for Townsville was flights to Melbourne, Mr Mill said.

He also highlighted the additional capacity on the Brisbane route and regional flights to Cloncurry and Mt Isa.

“Townsville’s growth is spread across business and leisure markets and we are certainly seeing an increase in resources industry- related travel into and out of the city,” Mr Mills said.

“We are nearing completion of our airside upgrade, to add additional aircraft parking capacity, so our sights are firmly set on progressing the Project Alive terminal redevelopment with the support of all our airline partners.”

Townsville Airport is owned by Queensland Airports Limited.