Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway saw annual international passengers surpass 12 million for the first time, across more than 57,000 flights, with December 2025 also marking Melbourne’s busiest month on record since its opening in 1970.

Operating as flight QF7301, Qantas Freight’s A321 freighter VH-XF5 touched down at WSI at around 2pm on Monday afternoon after a short hop from Sydney Kingsford Smith as part of a continuing testing program for the new airport.

The new Arkeus defence technology facility is expected to build AI-powered sensing systems that serve as the eyes and brains of autonomous platforms for Australian and allied defence customers. It will increase Arkeus’ manufacturing capability by 20 times.

Free Aviation news, delivered to your inbox

Sign up to our Australian Aviation Express email newsletter to receive the latest in aviation.

AA Mobile Phone

The federal government and Qantas will expand the current pilot program for the digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) to cities including Perth and Adelaide by the end of this year, before phasing the ATD in across “all international airports and seaports” over the next 12 to 18 months.

Developed following “extensive consultation with community and industry throughout July and August 2025”, Airservices says the new plan will reduce noise impacts from the airport for around 140,000 people.

The completed arrivals area features a new U-shaped baggage claim carousel, as well as a Tasmania-designed outdoor forecourt. According to Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter, the airport’s terminal expansion is now two-thirds complete, with new departure gates having opened earlier this year.

LATEST MAGAZINE

Momentum Media Logo
Most Innovative Company
Copyright © 2007-2026 MOMENTUMMEDIA