Melbourne Airport (MEL) announced that it processed a record number of international passengers in January 2026, driven by increased flight capacity and travelers attending the Australian Open tennis tournament.
The airport welcomed 688,534 international arrivals during the month, contributing to total international traffic of 1.26 million passengers. Combined with 2.12 million domestic travelers, Melbourne Airport handled 3.38 million passengers in January, making it the third-busiest month in the facility’s history.
Event-driven traffic surge
The passenger surge coincided with Melbourne’s hosting of the Australian Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments. January 9, 2026, marked the busiest single day on record for the international terminal, with more than 45,000 passengers processed.
According to the airport, travelers from Asia-Pacific countries comprised the largest share of international arrivals. Chinese passport holders represented the largest group with approximately 59,000 arrivals, followed by 57,000 from New Zealand and 29,000 from India. The United Kingdom and United States each contributed significant visitor numbers, with 23,000 and 18,000 arrivals respectively.
The airport also processed 29,000 departing UK passport holders, many likely returning home following Australia’s recent Ashes cricket series victory over England.
Economic impact
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus pointed out the economic significance of international travel to Victoria’s economy. The airport supports approximately one in 16 jobs across the state, with each daily international flight contributing an estimated AU$190 million (US$134 million) annually to the local economy.
Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos emphasized the broader economic benefits, noting that visitor activity supports Victoria’s AU$46 billion (US$32.5 billion) tourism industry and 288,000 related jobs across the state.
Infrastructure investments
To accommodate growing passenger demand, Melbourne Airport is implementing several major infrastructure projects. A new AU$500 million (US$354 million) international baggage system is nearing completion and will more than double outbound baggage capacity while enabling enhanced passenger services like anytime check-in.
The airport plans to open expanded pickup and dropoff zones for passengers using Terminals 1, 2, and 3 later this year. This development will allow expansion of the international terminal into the current arrivals area.
Growth trajectory
Melbourne Airport’s January 2026 figures reflect continued recovery and growth in international travel to Australia. While total passenger numbers remained slightly below January 2025 levels due to a modest decline in domestic travel, international traffic showed steady growth compared to the previous year.
The strong international performance continues a positive trend for Melbourne Airport, which has positioned itself as Australia’s primary 24-hour international gateway. The facility’s ability to handle round-the-clock operations provides competitive advantages in serving long-haul international routes and accommodating varied flight schedules.
Airport officials expect continued growth as additional airlines add capacity and new routes to Melbourne, supported by ongoing infrastructure improvements designed to handle increasing passenger volumes while maintaining service quality.
