Great heights: airport records poised to be broken during bumper school holidays

Almost half a million passengers are expected to stream through Sunshine Coast Airport during the school holidays.

A record number of inbound and outbound airline seats (476,000) are forecast for December and January: an increase of 27 per cent on the same period last year.

It follows a record November, with the airport now connecting to 14 destinations.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said airline partners had increased services during the holidays due to high demand and the airport averaged more than 40 inbound and outbound flights per day.

“More and more people are enjoying the connections and flexibility available” he said.

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“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 7300 passengers on July 7 this year, but this record is likely to be broken these holidays.

“With record passenger numbers, increased services and more destinations, our community is connected like never before.”

Mr Mills 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,” he said.

“In the lead-up to Christmas there is still plenty of availability and some great deals of up to 25 per cent off accommodation being offered.

“Our occupancy peaks around the week of Christmas and is currently sitting just above 80 per cent. 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.”

Sunshine Coast Airport is the fastest-growing airport in Australia. It services Adelaide, Albury, Auckland, Avalon, Cairns, Darwin, Mackay, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville and the Whitsunday Coast.