The number of travellers through Sydney Airport rose by 2.4 per cent in August to 3.2 million, with strong growth in visitors from India, China and Malaysia.

Just under 1.05 million international passengers passed through Sydney Airport in August, up 5.6 per cent on the same period last year, and domestic passenger traffic rose one per cent to 2.1 million.

Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said the start of direct flights between Sydney and Delhi contributed to the rise.

“The Indian market has significant potential for growth and will be further stimulated by the advent of direct services,” she said.

Visitors from India were up nearly 13 per cent compared to a year ago.

Visitors from China were up more than 14 per cent, while traffic from Malaysia was up more than 20 per cent due to the relaxing of bilateral air rights and a campaign by Tourism Australia and Destination NSW.