The friendly faces of Gold Coast Airport’s volunteer ambassadors will light up the terminal once again, as the airport team prepares for an increase in visitors to the region from next month.

A group of 41 ambassadors will be stood up from Monday 7 December after the program was paused for nine months due to COVID-19.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said December was shaping up to be the airport’s busiest month since March.

“As Queensland’s border opens to Victoria and the rest of NSW, we are looking forward to welcoming back visitors from these destinations. Flights from Hobart and Perth are also starting on 1 December, which is really exciting,” she said.

“The ambassadors have been looking forward to returning for some time and we cannot wait to have them back – their friendly faces have been sorely missed.

“No doubt our passengers will appreciate an extra warm welcome to the Gold Coast as well.”

The ambassadors – who assist visitors with general enquiries – are undergoing comprehensive COVID-safe training before returning. Enhanced safety measures will be in place.

Ambassador Marie Mills, who has volunteered at the airport for four years, said she was looking forward to coming back.

“I have really missed the airport – seeing the other fabulous volunteers, greeting weary passengers in need of a friendly face, and working alongside the many people who keep the airport running,” she said.

“Seeing the bus and limo drivers back, the cafes and shops open, and full flights landing and taking off will be a total adrenaline rush after the year we have had.”

Fellow ambassador Brett Morris, who is quadriplegic, landed his dream job while his volunteering role was paused.

He now works for iScream Travel as a travel consultant, planning holidays for clients with disabilities.

“But I will be back at the airport and I cannot wait to catch up with my fellow volunteers and the passengers,” he said.

“I am also looking forward to seeing the progress made on the terminal expansion this year.”

The ambassador program was established in 2016 in an effort to further enhance customer service.

The ambassadors are largely credited with the airport receiving the award for Best Service Staff in the Australia Pacific region at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2019.

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