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Adelaide Airport says it has seen record passenger numbers again in July 2026.
The South Australian gateway saw 806,486 passengers in July including transits, a 4.7 per cent increase on the previous year, with total passenger numbers (excluding transits) increasing 4.7 per cent to 9.17 million over the past 12 months.
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“International traffic in July 2026 increased by 6.8 per cent compared with the year prior, maintaining the very strong growth exhibited over the past year – including transits, this growth was 19.1 per cent,” the airport said in a press release.
“China Eastern completed its first full month of seasonal operation between Adelaide and Shanghai, while Malaysia Airlines maintained strong momentum following its recent transition to daily services with capacity increasing by 44 per cent year-on-year – driving a corresponding 38.8 per cent increase in traffic on that route.
“Bali continues to strengthen its grip as Adelaide’s most popular international destination despite the recent suspension of Indonesia AirAsia services, with Jetstar recording a 29.8 per cent increase in passenger numbers, driven by double-daily flights through July. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways and Emirates are now operating daily services to the Middle East.”
Domestic traffic – including regional – was up 2.4 per cent to 683,000 passengers.
“Given the current economic climate, strong domestic demand was driven by travellers choosing destinations closer to home, resulting in continued growth in leisure traffic,” the airport said.
“A capacity increase linked to Jetstar basing aircraft in Adelaide has also supported domestic growth, while Virgin Australia has commenced a charter service to Olympic Dam.”
Adelaide’s largest inbound market by passport nationality was China, with 7,700 passengers, ahead of India with 5,300 and New Zealand with 3,500.
“A total of 2,400 passport holders travelled from Malaysia and 2,300 from the United Kingdom. Rounding out the Top 10 countries were Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Nepal,” the airport said.
“Looking ahead, Singapore Airlines will become Adelaide’s first international carrier to fly 12 times per week year-round from October 2026.
“China Southern will increase to daily services through the peak summer season while China Eastern’s seasonal services will return in December. Cathay Pacific will fly up to five times per week over the summer peak.”
The airport earlier this year saw its busiest ever week thanks in part to a boost from the 2026 AFL Gather Round event.
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