- Sunshine Coast Airport is set for a record school holiday period.
- 476,000 airline seats forecast during December and January.
- Holiday period forecasts are an increase of 27% on last year’s figures.
- Passengers should plan ahead when travelling this festive season.
Sunshine Coast Airport is gearing up for a record school holidays with 476,000 inbound and outbound airline seats forecast during December and January. This is an increase of 27% on the same period last year with the Airport now connecting to 14 destinations.
Record seat numbers for December and January follows a record November as the Airport continues to see strong passenger growth.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said airline partners had increased services during the school holidays due to high demand with the Airport averaging more than 40 inbound and outbound flights per day.
“More and more people are enjoying the connections and flexibility available at Sunshine Coast Airport,” Mr Mills said.
“We’ve worked closely with our partner airlines to increase services to and from the Sunshine Coast.
“The Airport’s busiest single day on record was 7,300 passengers on 7 July this year, but this record is likley to be broken these holidays.
“With record passenger numbers, increased services and more destinations, our community is connected like never before.”
Mr Mills said record passenger numbers during December and January meant a busy airport terminal and offered advice to travellers ahead of the festive season.
“With a record 476,000 seats forecast, the Airport will be extremely busy these holidays, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period,” he said.
“Airport staff are prepared and ready to assist but there are things you can do to prepare for your trip.
“Book your parking online early to make sure you don’t miss out and stay up to date with the latest flight information.
“The roads can be busy, so leave early and give yourself plenty of time to check-in and progress through security.
“These are simple things but will give you time to find a seat, enjoy a meal and relax at the airport.”
Visit Sunshine Coast Head of Industry and Trade Development Andrew Fairbairn said summer was a great time to visit the Sunshine Coast.
“Water temperatures are at 25 degrees and it’s the perfect place for family fun, as well as exploring our hinterland and world-class attractions,” Mr Fairbairn said.
“In the lead up to Christmas there is still plenty of availability and some great deals of up to 25% off accommodation being offered.
“Our occupancy peaks around the week of Christmas and is currently sitting just above 80%. So we can expect to see lots of visitors out and about enjoying the coast.
“Into next year, the forward bookings are looking strong – being a little above the same time last year.”
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport is the fastest growing airport in Australia and the first airport in Australia to hold Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality status. By 2040, total direct employment at the Airport is expected to grow from 530 to 2,400 direct jobs and contribute an estimated $406million in total to Australia’s GDP.
Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd operates and manages Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, under a 99-year lease from Sunshine Coast Council which commenced in December 2017. In July 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport was declared a priority development area (PDA) by the Queensland Government.
Sunshine Coast Airport services 14 destinations including Adelaide, Albury, Auckland, Avalon, Cairns, Darwin, Mackay, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville and Whitsunday Coast.
