Gold Coast Airport is expecting its busiest festive season in three years, with up to 925,000 passengers expected through the terminal across the 6-week holiday period.

This years’ summer break is the first since 2019, that no border restrictions apply, and Queensland Airports Limited Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said thousands of families are making the most of it, including from interstate, and overseas.

“On peak days, we expect more than 24,000 passengers to be travelling through the GCA terminal, with the start and end of the weeks likely to be the busiest, particularly either side of Christmas and New Year’s,” she said.

“The new International Terminal expansion increases our capacity at Gold Coast Airport and will improve passenger flow during peak periods such as the upcoming school holidays.”

Ms Charlton said extra Gold Coast Airport team members have been rostered on to help manage the peaks, however passengers could still experience longer than usual wait times in areas like check-in and bag drop, security screening and baggage collection.

“We are asking passengers to please be patient and courteous to staff and fellow passengers during this peak period.”

“We recommend passengers book parking online well in advance and allow extra time to get to and through the terminal,” she said.

“It’s also worth considering other transport means to and from the airport, including ride share, taxi, public transport and pick up/drop off.”

Additional volunteer ambassadors have also been rostered on, to welcome and farewell passengers and help them on their way.

“Our ambassadors are here to help, if you’re unsure about where to go, you’ll find their friendly faces near the check in desk or around the terminal,” Ms Charlton said.

To celebrate the festive season, there’ll be live music in the terminal every Friday between 9 December and 27 January, as well as festive themed activations in the International Arrivals Plaza leading up to Christmas.

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