Gold Coast Airport, Jetstar, preparing for bumper Christmas holidays period

Industry bosses have revealed the steps they are taking to deal with a big change expected at Gold Coast Airport over the Christmas holidays. Full details.

Jetstar said it would have more than 1500 services operating to and from the Gold Coast between 20 December and 15 January. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Gold Coast Airport is rostering on extra staff to cope with the more than 20,000 people a day expected to pass through its terminals during the peak of the Christmas holiday period.

Queensland Airports Limited Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said 1.2 million passengers were expected over December and January, which would be one of the airport’s busiest summer holidays on record.

“We’re prepared to handle these busy periods, we’ve rostered on additional team members and have 57 volunteer Ambassadors and five therapy dogs who are here to help customers,” Ms Charlton said.

“The terminal will be busy so we’re encouraging passengers to book their parking online, check in online and allow plenty of time to get to and through the airport.”

Ms Charlton said Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand connections were the most popular routes.

Queensland Airports Limited Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton. Photo: Tertius Pickard.

Jetstar Airways Chief Operating Officer Matt Franzi.

Jetstar, which is the biggest carrier operating out of Coolangatta, said it would have more than 1500 services operating to and from the Gold Coast between 20 December and 15 January – a 20 per cent rise on last year.

Chief Operating Officer Matt Franzi said the airline had hired more staff ahead of the Christmas rush.

“We’re excited to carry more than a quarter of a million travellers to and from the Gold Coast around Christmas and New Year, helping our customers to connect with family and friends while supporting the city’s economy.

“In preparation for a huge summer of travel, we’ve introduced a range of measures to bolster reliability including hiring more local staff, introducing brand-new A321neo LR aircraft and upgrading systems and processes.”

The airline said the strong bookings followed a “huge year” for Gold Coast travel, with more than 2.4 million Jetstar passengers travelling between the city and its eight domestic and four international destinations in 2023.

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