Dagnabbit!
More than a fifth of flights at Melbourne Airport are running late as surging passenger numbers create delays on Tullamarine’s two crowded runways.
New figures show the number of trips running on time at the city’s major airport is now below 80 per cent and falling, with airport officials arguing the data shows plans for a third runway are vital.
Flights between Melbourne and Sydney, one of the world’s busiest routes, have also recorded spikes in cancellations and late planes.
In the 12 months to November last year, there were 2969 cancelled flights between the two cities and the number of monthly cancellations has doubled in the space of a year.
Bargain airlines Jetstar and Tigerair recorded some of the airport’s lowest on-time performances, according to the latest figures, while QantasLink passengers had the highest chance of departing and arriving on schedule.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said extreme weather had a major impact on flights in November but said there was a real decline in overall on-time performance.
“In November we saw extreme weather restrict capacity between Melbourne and Sydney, the world’s second busiest air route,” he said.
“Notwithstanding those seasonal weather impacts, Melbourne Airport’s on-time performance is below 80 per cent and gradually falling, due to capacity constraints on our two-runway system.
“This is why a third runway is vital, to keep up with Victoria’s growing demand for air travel while preserving a quality traveller experience.”
In November last year, 4494 planes did not arrive or depart on time.
Mr Strambi said the airport was expected to receive nearly 70 million passengers by 2038.
“Meeting that demand requires us to address congestion in the terminals, on our roads and in the air.
“That is why over the next decade we need to invest, on average, more than half a billion dollars per year, every year, to improve, maintain and grow the asset.”
An Australian Airports Association spokeswoman said operating restrictions at Sydney airport made it difficult for airlines to recover from severe weather events.
“Over the long term, increasing capacity will ensure airports can continue to recover quickly from weather events and disruptions,” she said.
“Melbourne Airport’s new runway will not only give Victorian passengers more choice, but will further support the efficiency of the national aviation network.
“This will not only facilitate continued passenger growth in the state, but will also provide additional flexibility when disruptions occur.”
