Merimbula Airport Statistics

Published 15 July 2026 · Updated 8 Sept 2026

Merimbula Airport (MIM) is the main regional airport for Australia's Far South Coast, linking the Sapphire Coast to Sydney and Melbourne through Regional Express (Rex) and QantasLink flights.

How many passengers pass through Merimbula Airport each year?

Merimbula Airport handles approximately 60,000 passengers annually.

The airport served 61,866 passengers in 2025, a 6.1% increase from 58,321 in 2024.
In 2019, the airport handled 60,276 passengers before the pandemic.
Passenger traffic dropped to 18,328 in 2020, a 70% fall, and recovered to 29,703 in 2021.
Recovery gained momentum from 2022, with 54,839 passengers, then 61,481 in 2023.

Bar chart of annual passenger volume at Merimbula Airport from 2017 to 2025, showing a pandemic dip to 18,300 in 2020 and recovery to 61,900 in 2025. — Annual passenger volume at Merimbula Airport, 2017–2025.

What is the total number of aircraft operations at Merimbula Airport each year?

Merimbula Airport records approximately 3,000-3,700 regular public transport (RPT) operations annually.

In 2025, there were 3,563 RPT operations, a 1.5% decrease from 3,619 operations in 2024.
Before the pandemic, 2019 recorded 3,088 scheduled airline movements.
Operations dropped to 1,631 in 2020, the lowest during the pandemic.
Recovery progressed steadily with 2,403 in 2021, 3,344 in 2022, and a record 3,665 in 2023.

Bar chart of annual regular public transport aircraft operations at Merimbula Airport from 2017 to 2025, dipping to 1,631 in 2020 and recovering above 3,500 from 2023. — Annual aircraft operations (regular public transport) at Merimbula Airport, 2017–2025.

Which airlines operate the most flights out of Merimbula Airport?

Regional carriers dominate operations at Merimbula, with Rex holding the largest market share alongside QantasLink.

Rex remains the dominant carrier, historically carrying most passengers at the airport.
QantasLink represents significant competition since joining the market in late 2020, adding capacity and choice for travelers¹.
The two carriers combined control 100% of scheduled passenger traffic, illustrating Merimbula's concentrated market with no other scheduled airlines.

What are the monthly trends in passenger traffic at Merimbula Airport?

Merimbula Airport shows a clear seasonal pattern in passenger traffic.

According to the Merimbula Airport Master Plan 2043, January and December are the highest months on average, aligning with the NSW summer school holiday and Christmas/New Year travel period.
April is relatively stronger than the winter months, likely reflecting autumn/Easter school-holiday travel.
June is the lowest month on average, with February and July also among the quieter months¹.

How many routes are there at Merimbula Airport?

The airport serves only two primary domestic routes within Australia with no international service.
Sydney (Kingsford Smith Airport) is the dominant route, served by both Rex and QantasLink with daily flights.
Melbourne (Tullamarine) is the secondary route, served by Rex daily and QantasLink seasonally during peak holiday periods.

How much cargo does Merimbula Airport handle annually?

Merimbula Airport supports modest air freight activity.

The Merimbula Airport Master Plan 2043 identifies both belly-hold cargo on airline services and a dedicated freight service operated by GAM Group using Rockwell AeroCommander 500-series aircraft from Bankstown five days per week.

What are the main causes of flight disruptions at Merimbula Airport?

Winter weather conditions, particularly coastal fog from June through August that can delay or cancel morning flights when visibility drops below landing minima.
Weather at connecting airports, especially Sydney, where thunderstorms and air traffic congestion can cause flow-on delays to Merimbula services.
Aircraft maintenance or mechanical issues, requiring inspections or repairs that can delay departures, though relatively uncommon.
Crew availability and scheduling, which has occasionally affected regional services during industry-wide pilot shortage periods.
Wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes given the airport's coastal location near wetlands and Merimbula Lake, though wildlife management programs minimize this risk.

What are the notable incidents at Merimbula Airport?

August 30 2019: Rex Airlines Saab 340 Flight ZL139 experienced a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff from Moruya while en route to Merimbula. The aircraft diverted to Merimbula and landed safely at 8:42 pm with 19 passengers and 3 crew. No injuries occurred though initial reports suggested engine sparks mistaken for fire².
June 8 2023: A Rex Saab 340B (Flight ZL6133) experienced a stick-shaker (stall) warning on approach to Merimbula. The crew executed a go-around and landed safely on the second attempt. The ATSB classified it as a serious incident requiring an investigation into approach-speed management².
December 20 2024: A private Piper PA-32R Saratoga landed wheels-up around noon after the pilot forgot to extend the landing gear during a training exercise. The pilot was uninjured, the aircraft sustained minor damage, and the runway closed briefly for inspection. The ATSB cited pilot error².

References

Merimbula Airport Master Plan 2043 · begavalley.nsw.gov.au ↑ b
Incident at Merimbula Airport · atsb.gov.au ↑ b c
Australian Airports Traffic Data · bitre.gov.au