Kiwi numbers continue to increase on the Gold Coast as the airport has its busiest April ever

THE GOLD Coast Airport is busier than ever, with new data revealing just how many people came through its arrival gates during and after the Commonwealth Games.

ABOUT 11,000 extra passengers passed through Gold Coast Airport last month to watch the Commonwealth Games — and most of them were Kiwis.

More than 50,000 cuzzies continued their bromance with the city in April, up 6.8 per cent on the same month last year, but statistics show they are as cheap as chips.

New Zealanders spend an average $2139 each time they come to Australia, mainly because they stay with relatives or friends. It is well below what the Japanese ($3689), Singaporeans ($4304) and Americans ($5546) spend while here.

The 570,000 passengers in and out of Gold Coast Airport last month was up 1.9 per cent, or 11,000 passengers, on April 2017.

Gold Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills loading luggage during one of the busiest days ever for the airport. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We did not have a clear expectation of passenger numbers beforehand, as it was difficult to predict with a high degree of accuracy,” airport CEO Chris Mills said. “It was not a normal month.

“However, we did expect numbers to be up on prior year, and that was achieved.”

The airport’s busiest day during the Games period was the last day of competition, April 15, when 23,048 passengers travelled through the airport.

“April growth was softened slightly by the fact Easter 2017 fell in April, while Easter this year fell in March,” Mr Mills said.

Gold Coast Tourism executive director of corporate affairs Dean Gould said 70 per cent of Comm Games ticketholders were local or drove to the events.

Gold Coast Tourism Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Dean Gould said Kiwis had embraced the Games.

“We know more Kiwis watched the Comm Games than the Rio Olympics and they took advantage of access to a world-class event less than a four-hour flight away,” he said.

“We also had the school holidays following which had a big affect.”

Mr Gould said data released this week from STR Global revealed the overall occupancy rate throughout April was 75 per cent.

“During the Games the occupancy rate was 87 per cent and on April 15 it was at 92.8 per cent,” he said.

The Oliver family, Jack, 7, mum Carole and dad Scott flew into the Gold Coast from Auckland yesterday.

“(We are) visiting family as I am dealing with stage 4 cancer,” Mrs Oliver said.

“(I’m) not sure if I’ll be back again.”