Melbourne Airport expects to welcome a record number of international passengers during the holidays.
More than 1.56 million international passengers are expected across the December and January holiday period, which represents a 7% increase on pre-pandemic levels.
It comes as Melbourne Airport celebrates the launch of Air India’s Melbourne flights from Mumbai.
It marks the first ever direct connection between Victoria state and Mumbai.
With a population of more than 21 million people, Mumbai was Melbourne Airport’s largest unserved market before the inaugural flight.
The new Melbourne flights operate three times a week on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
They join Air India’s existing daily flights between Melbourne and Delhi.
“It’s exciting that we are setting new records,” said CEO of Melbourne Airport Lorie Argus.
“Unlocking a city of more than 21 million people is huge for our Indian community as well as the broader Victorian economy. “
“When international flights land in Melbourne our restaurants, hotels and retailers get a big tourism boost across the state,” said Victoria Deputy Premier Ben Carroll.
