Australians are taking to the sky in record numbers More Australians are travelling domestically and internationally. AUSTRALIANS are taking to the sky in record numbers, with nearly a five per cent rise in passengers flying last year. More than 86 million passengers flew domestically and internationally last year - a growth rate more than three times that of the US. Federal transport minister Anthony Albanese said rises in travel in and out of Australian airports showed the strength of Australia's economy. The number of international passengers travelling through Australia's airports grew more than five per cent last year, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport figures show. Three of the four fastest growing source markets for international tourists were in Asia. Passengers between China and Australia grew nearly 16 per cent; Japan more than 11 per cent and Singapore more than 9 per cent. The number of passengers carried on domestic flights grew by more than 2 million, or 4 per cent on the previous year. Most of the growth was between major capital cities. But a number of routes to regional centres also experienced rapid growth, with Melbourne to Perth up nearly 15 per cent, Cairns to Melbourne up 15 per cent and Perth to Port Hedland soaring more than 33 per cent. The routes between Sydney and Melbourne continue to be the busiest domestic routes in the country.