Auckland Airport passenger numbers gain in August

Auckland Airport passenger numbers gain in August, more business trips

By Paul McBeth

Sept. 23 (BusinessDesk) – Auckland International Airport Ltd., the country’s main gateway, reported more overseas visitors last month, as business trips bounce back from a lull in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Total international passengers rose 4.5% to 603,995 in August from the same month a year earlier, with business and conference visitors making up 43,706 of those people, up 18% from a year ago.

That comes after national carrier Air New Zealand Ltd. said it flew more passengers in August, while government data showed an inflow of short-term arrivals by Chinese visitors.

Chinese passengers landing at Auckland Airport almost doubled to 9,305 in August, though the airport said the Swine flu pandemic had weighed on Asian visitors in 2009.

The number of domestic travellers rose 2.8% to 496,431 last month, with most of the growth coming from Air NZ and Pacific Blue. Last month, Pacific Blue said it’s quitting New Zealand domestic routes to focus on medium-haul international routes.

The number of Australians arriving at Auckland airport fell 4.6% to 41.095 in August, and has dropped 3.5% in the financial year to date.

Auckland Airport shares were unchanged at $2.08 in trading today.

(BusinessDesk)

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