International flights to Queenstown Airport, which all come from Australia, were up 58% in October compared with the corresponding month last year.
A total of 3587 international passengers travelled through the airport in October, a 61% increase on the month in 2007.
Domestic passenger numbers were also up last month to 48,411, a 10% increase on the same month last year.
There were 19 international flights during October, Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Steve Sanderson said.
Domestic flights were also up by 10% on last year.
There were 343 domestic flights in October, 44 more than in 2007.
Mr Sanderson said fair weather and school holidays were factors in the improvement over September's low passenger numbers.
October's figures meant there was a 13% year on year rise in both international and home flights.
"It's pleasing to see, but I agree with a number of operators in that there is a softening up of the market. Queenstown is a short-haul destination so when people look at discretionary spend, perhaps a short-haul visit would be a better option."
