International travel has reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, with airlines significantly increasing their routes to Australia in response to growing demand.
Several of the world’s largest carriers have expanded their services, with Singapore Airlines reporting a 21% increase in daily flights compared to a year ago. Cathay Pacific has also ramped up its operations, with a 29% rise in its flight frequency. Thai Airways, too, has boosted its weekly flights by 67% compared to last year.
Sydney Airport is preparing for its busiest holiday season for international travel since 2019, the year before the pandemic led to widespread border closures and devastated the aviation sector. Notable new entries include Turkish Airlines, which launched its first flight from Istanbul to Sydney in November, with plans to increase its weekly services from four to five in June.
Sydney Airport is projecting 5.8 million passengers over the Christmas and New Year period, including 2.5 million international travelers — 300,000 more than before the pandemic. January 4 is expected to be the peak day for international flights.
This surge in travel comes despite ongoing pressures on household budgets, including rising mortgage repayments, rents, and grocery prices. “For many, the annual trip to destinations like Bali or Fiji remains one of the last luxuries they are willing to cut back on,” said Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton.
Related topics:
- Miami Airport Modernization Efforts Continue Amid Holiday Travel Surge
- Travel Surge Expected in North Country as Winter Holidays Approach
- Holiday Travel Surge: 119.3 Million Americans Set to Travel
