Gold Coast Airport Soars to Record Heights: A Post-Bonza Success Story

Despite the loss of Bonza Airlines, Gold Coast Airport has celebrated its strongest financial year for domestic travel in 2024. The airport welcomed 5.6 million domestic passengers, surpassing its previous record by over 210,000, and 706,000 international travellers. Routes between Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast ranked among the busiest in the nation.

A surge in domestic travel, driven by cost-of-living concerns, played a key role, with Australians opting for local holidays like the Gold Coast over international trips. January 2024 was a standout month, marking the busiest in the airport’s history.

While Bonza contributed around 2% of passengers, the airline’s collapse had minimal impact on the record-breaking performance. In contrast, Sunshine Coast Airport has struggled with passenger numbers since Bonza’s closure.

With domestic travel booming, the Gold Coast remains a popular holiday spot, attracting visitors who often explore nearby attractions and hotels in Gold Coast Australia, such as the stylish Avani Broadbeach Residences, for a quintessential local experience.