Gold Coast Airport’s busiest days in two years have been recorded ahead of the peak Easter holiday period.

On Friday 1 April, more than 21,000 passengers came through the terminal, followed by more than 19,000 on Sunday 3 April. These two days were the busiest days of the year so far, with the highest number of passengers since mid-March 2020.

The passenger numbers were recorded in the countdown to an extremely busy Easter period, which could top the figures seen during the 2018 Commonwealth Games – currently the busiest April ever for the airport.

Passenger highs:

- More than 21,000 passengers through Gold Coast Airport on Friday 1 April, in the busiest day of the year and since mid-March 2020
- More than 19,000 passengers on Sunday 3 April, in the second busiest day since COVID-19 impacted
- Another record expected for Easter Monday 18 April, with 28,000 seats scheduled
- Gold Coast-Melbourne was the second busiest route nationally in January

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said Gold Coast Airport passenger and flight numbers were recovering quickly thanks to the popularity of the region.

“It is fantastic to see numbers recovering at this pace after two challenging years for the airport and tourism sector we support,” he said.

The number of flights and overall seats in and out of Gold Coast Airport in April is expected to exceed the figures seen prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

At this point the busiest day is expected to be Easter Monday, 18 April, with 28,000 seats scheduled. Based on current loads that could mean 24,000 passengers in and out of Gold Coast Airport – which would be more than the current April record set on 15 April 2018 when 23,048 passengers travelled through the airport on their way home after the Commonwealth Games.

“After a challenging two years, confidence in travel is returning, and the region is seeing the benefits of the leisure market recovery in particular,” Mr Mills said.

According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), Gold Coast-Melbourne was the second busiest route nationally in January and Gold Coast-Sydney was the fourth busiest.

The Easter period will be boosted by the return of the Jetstar Gold Coast-Auckland service on 13 April.

It returns as the New Zealand Government introduces two-way quarantine-free travel for Australians and New Zealanders who are vaccinated from 11.59pm on 12 April.

“We are seeing extremely strong loads on the existing Gold Coast-Auckland flights in the lead up to that date, with international travel a reality once more,” Mr Mills said.

Passengers travelling over Easter have been reminded to allow plenty of time, with the need to be at the airport up to two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and up to three hours for international services. It is important to also be mindful of COVID-19 management measures and, in particular, the Queensland Government’s directive to wear a face mask in the terminal and physically distance where possible.