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Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has announced a record seven million passenger movements for its airports at the Gold Coast, Townsville and Mount Isa for the 2010/11 financial year, as all three airports reported year on year growth.
The record figure, which represents the first time QAL has exceeded seven million passenger movements, saw Gold Coast Airport record over 5.4 million passengers pass through its gates, with Townsville Airport and Mount Isa recording 1.67 million and 217,000 passengers respectively during FY2010/11. However, it was clearly Mount Isa Airport which stood out, posting 19.5 per cent growth in passenger numbers over the previous financial year.
“It is pleasing to record growth in passenger movements across the Group during what has been the most challenging year since 2001,” QAL managing director, Dennis Chant said, adding that the recent spate of natural disasters in regional Queensland had forced a period of consolidation.
“Townsville and Mount Isa Airports both recorded positive growth in passenger movements, buoyed by the strong resources sector in northwest Queensland. The propensity for business travel remained strong and Townsville is also growing as a leisure destination,” Chant continued.
“Gold Coast Airport recorded growth over the year, despite the challenging few months for the Queensland tourism industry. Our airline partners introduced a number of new services this year, including direct flights to Perth and Hobart, meaning there are now flights to every capital city outside Queensland from the Gold Coast,” he said.
