iscover
The agreement will see Avalon and dnata “explore opportunities for operational collaboration” on future cargo opportunities involving the airport’s freight infrastructure, including the $8 million facility opened last year.
The airport saw 18,387,992 passengers in the 2026 financial year, an increase of 5.2 per cent over 2025, with international passengers up 8.1 per cent to 5.55 million, regional passengers up 6.0 per cent to 6.6 million, and interstate passengers up 1.9 per cent to 6.22 million.
Speaking to media at the airport on Monday, WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said there will be “a great mix of carriers moving forward” at launch, with robust ticket sales and “very positive feedback” across all its airline partners.
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.
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.
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