The airport corporation reported a 29% increase in international passengers and a 10% increase in domestic passengers for the period from July to December 2009.
Chief executive Steve Sanderson said in a statement 409,426 passengers used the airport in the half-year period which ended in December 2009.
"The passenger numbers through the airport are up overall by 12% for the same period last year, with international passengers up 29% and domestic up 10%.
"The international passenger support continues to be strong.
However we are very pleased with the double-digit increase of 10% for domestic passengers."
Domestic passenger numbers rose during the six months to 342,707, a 10% lift over last year's corresponding figures.
The number of flights were slightly down by 3%.
Average passenger loadings were 78%, up seven percentage points.
"The increase in domestic passengers and aircraft loadings is probably the most pleasing outcome, and a return for both domestic support and connecting international travellers from Auckland and Christchurch that are Queenstown-bound."
Mr Sanderson said compared to the corresponding six-month period last year, international passengers grew to 66,719, up 29%, supported by an increase of 25% in international flights from the east coast of Australia.
"This represents an increase in seat capacity of 19,140 (28%) or a total of 86,340 seats.
"If this run rate continues, Queenstown Airport may see 100,000 international passengers within its reporting year for the first time," Mr Sanderson said.
The highest number of international travellers in one year was 74,585, recorded in 2008-09.
The average loading of passengers on international flights stands at 78%, up six percentage points for the half-year period.
