Perth Airport: Records tumble as passenger numbers soar

The remarkable performance of aviation in Western Australia continues with Perth Airport posting a new all-time record for total passenger numbers for the second time in just four months.

The total passenger numbers figure for October came in at 1.66 million, easily cruising past the previous record of 1.61 million which was only set in July of this year.

The October numbers also included all-time record numbers for interstate passengers (584,126) and total domestic passengers (1.17 million).

International (485,895) and regional (588,900) passenger numbers were the best ever recorded for an October and were the second highest of all-time for any month.

Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters said the exceptional growth in passenger numbers confirmed the need for the airport to push ahead with its ambitious “One Airport” expansion plan.

“What’s really exciting about these numbers is that they reflect a real buzz in the Western Australian economy,” Mr Waters said.

“There’s a real sense of confidence in the business sector and in the broader community.

“We share that confidence as we set out on our plans to invest more than $5 billion in new terminals, a runway, multi-storey carparks and a hotel.

“When Perth Airport grows, Western Australia grows.

“Passenger numbers for October are up across the board and it’s great to be such a key part of Western Australia’s success story.

“The fact we have been able to deliver this result for Western Australia while operating safely and securely is a huge credit to our front-line Operations team members in our terminals, control centre and on the airfield.

“International passenger numbers for October surged by an extraordinary 14.5 per cent compared to October 2024, while total domestic passenger numbers were up 5.7 per cent.

“The resources sector remains a key driver of regional passenger numbers, but tourism and business travel is now having a bigger influence, reflected in the stronger interstate and international traveller numbers.

“And there’s more to come with Qantas set to launch its Johannesburg and Auckland flights, while China Southern will return with its seasonal service to Guangzhou later this month.

Mr Waters has reminded the travellers that the combination of more passengers and increased construction work will have some impact on travel plans.

“We’ve always been up front in saying there will be some growing pains as we deliver the major projects to create ‘One Airport’ for all flight services,” Mr Waters said.

“Delivering those projects in a live operating environment with surging passenger numbers will be a challenge – but it’s a nice challenge to have.

“We’re doing everything possible to keep disruptions to a minimum and we’re also asking travellers to change their normal habits and aim to arrive at least three hours before an international service and two hours before domestic flights, including regional services.”