Passenger numbers flying in and out of Dubbo have reached a new record high.
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A total of 217,518 people took off or landed at Dubbo City Regional Airport in the 12 months to the end of July .
The figures have soared past the previous high of 203,294 in the previous financial year with the help of new air routes.
Dubbo to Newcastle flights began in July last year, and a Dubbo to Canberra service began in February.
The two new routes took the total number of destinations linked to the city to seven.
Dubbo Regional Council economic development and business director Natasha Comber said the growth in passenger numbers reflected strong economic confidence in Dubbo.
“Ensuring Dubbo is connected to the major airports of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Newcastle as well as regular services to Cobar and Broken Hill has seen a passenger numbers grow 15 per cent in just two years,” Ms Comber said.
“The sustained growth in passenger numbers provides greater confidence to the airlines which have invested in Dubbo and provides more incentive for new development in the airport precinct.”
The Dubbo City Regional Airport Master Plan has identified opportunities for further development to support increased air traffic as well as land-based developments such as the newly-announced Rural Fire Service Regional Training facility.
“The continuing strength of the Dubbo City Regional Airport also directly relates to growth in other parts of the economy including accommodation and tourism,” Ms Comber said.
“The accessibility of Dubbo by air is also one of the region’s marketing strengths and plays a significant role in being able to attract business and leisure visitors, conferences and major events which contribute positively to the regional economy.”
Four airlines, Qantaslink, Regional Express, Jetgo and Flypelican operate 199 flights to and from Dubbo City Regional Airport to seven destinations, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Canberra, Cobar and Broken Hill.
Last week Fly Corporate confirmed it would offer a weekday service between Orange and Melbourne from October.
The airline began Orange to Brisbane flights in February.
