Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport recently welcomed its 50th Airline with VietJet's inaugural service from Ho Chi Minh City. This is the highest number of airlines flying regular scheduled passenger services the airport has ever seen in its 103-year history. VietJet will be flying thrice weekly services between Ho Chi Minh and Sydney.
Thrilled to welcome VietJet, Geoff Culbert, CEO, Sydney Airport said: “This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Australia-Vietnam diplomatic relations. The Vietnam market has experienced a strong surge in capacity and demand, with passenger volumes 14% above pre-COVID levels in March 2023. This is an incredible achievement when you consider air travel was almost non-existent through COVID.”
Other carriers like Qantas, Virgin Australia, Rex and Jetstar have also resumed full capacity.
In February, Sydney Airport handled 2.73 million passengers, an 80% recovery from the 3.4 million in February 2019. The airport processed 1.72 million domestic and 1.01 million international travelers, with recovery rates of 83% and 76%, respectively, to 2019 levels.
Passengers from Mainland China which was down by 75% in February has rapidly increased with China relaxing its pandemic restrictions. By the end of this month, there will be six Chinese carriers operating 26 flights a week from Sydney airport.