The fuel crisis is not stopping people from travelling, with Gold Coast Airport bracing for record passenger numbers this month.
More than 80,000 passengers are expected through the terminals over the four days of Easter, kicking off several weeks of bumper visitor numbers to the Glitter Strip.
“On a typical day, we see around 15 to 18,000 people through the terminal. This year, on the peak days, we’ll see up to 23,000 passengers a day. So we’re looking about 4% up year on year,” Queensland Airports Chief of Aviation Adam Rowe said.
The school holidays will provide another boost, with Queensland and New South Wales holidays overlapping this year.
The airport is forecasting more than 350,000 people through the terminal between Good Friday and April 19.
“And then over the full month of April, we’re actually expecting around 580,000 passengers, which is a record April, the busiest we’ve ever had.”
Sydney and Melbourne remain the top two markets, closely followed by Auckland.
But the airport is also benefiting from extra flights to and from Bali, Dunedin, and Hamilton, while seasonal services to Darwin have also returned.
Mr Rowe said increased travel costs and pressures on household budgets are not deterring people from Easter holidays.
“Flights are getting a little more expensive, but what we are seeing is that people are still prioritising travel. Everyone still wants to go on holiday or go and see their family and friends.
“So people are choosing to look out for those special deals when they come out, planning ahead maybe a little more, but definitely still prioritising flying somewhere.”
Passengers flying out of the Gold Coast are being urged to give themselves plenty of time to check in and get through security.
