Australian Airports Brace For Busiest Days Since COVID

As school holidays approach on the east coast of Australia, major airports like Brisbane and Melbourne are gearing up for their busiest days since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Brisbane Airport is expecting a surge of 70,000 passengers in a single day, while Melbourne Airport anticipates a whopping 114,000 passengers and an average of 100,000 daily travellers over the next two weeks. 

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Brisbane Airport is taking a unique approach to ease pre-flight stress by introducing therapy dogs from Therapy and Support Animals Australia. 

After a successful trial in July, these furry companions will be stationed in the domestic terminal to provide support and reduce anxiety for travellers.

Brisbane Airport head of public affairs Stephen Becket said: “The therapy dogs trial was such a success, returning them for school holidays was a no-brainer.”

“Passengers and airline crew found they lowered stress levels and were a nice pre-flight distraction. The team had so many incredible interactions with people as the dogs provided an icebreaker,” Mr Becket said.

Melbourne Airport is also preparing for the influx of passengers, with its chief of aviation, Jim Parashos, encouraging travellers to book airport parking online in advance due to the expected high demand. 

“As always we ask for patience from our passengers, there can be lines at busy times but we have extra staff on to ensure you get to where you need to as smoothly as possible,” Mr Parashos said.

He recommended arriving at the airport about two hours before domestic departures and three hours for international flights. 

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