Avalon passenger ‘nosedive’ in year

Andrew Mathieson
AVALON Airport plans to increase flights from seven to possibly 30 in “the next few years” under a plan to stem falling passengers numbers.
Airport general Manager Justin Giddings released the target after revealing passenger numbers were “significantly down” in the past 12 months.
“We’re hopeful that from November 10 we’ll start picking straight back up when Tiger Airways comes in (to Avalon),” he said.
Mr Giddings blamed the drop on budget airline Jetstar’s decision to reduce flights at Avalon while increasing operations at rival Melbourne Airport.
Tiger is scheduled to introduce seven new daily flights next month.
The airport has battled Federal Government red-tape over plans for more terminals including an international facility.
Melbourne Airport this week announced its passenger numbers were up 11.8 per cent, including a 15.7 per cent rise in international travellers.
Launceston Airport – comparable in size to Avalon – reported “steady” passenger growth of 1 per cent to 268,000 passengers.