Melbourne Airport has flown past its pre-pandemic capacity in the international market in a nation-first achievement.
Throughout December, more than 1.31 million seats will be available for international passengers to and from Melbourne Airport, which represents 101 percent of the 1.29 million seats available in 2019.
Aircalin has returned to the airport, resuming services between Melbourne and Noumea three times a week.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the international milestone was a culmination of years of hard work from everyone at the airport.
“Covid tested the fabric of every business and it’s a credit to the team here that two years after the Australian border re-opened, we are the nation’s first airport to exceed pre-pandemic international capacity,” she said.
“The return of Aircalin means we are back to our pre-pandemic level of 36 international airlines flying to Melbourne Airport, and we look forward to adding to that number in the not-too-distant future.
“There is a huge demand for flights to tropical holiday destinations and given New Caledonia’s proximity, we expect these services will be very popular with Victorians.
“We know cost of living pressures are being felt by our passengers and the broader increase in capacity across our international network will assist in putting downward pressure on airfares.
