Orange City Council figures show 35,920 people have used the airport from July-November this year. That is up by nearly 6000 on the same period last year and 12,000 on 2016.

And it is also more than half the number of passengers who used the airport in 2017-18, a record 70,505, after only five months.

 A spokeswoman for Regional Express Airlines said its passenger numbers “have grown by 15 per cent” this financial year.

“This significant passenger growth can be directly attributed to a combination of the extra flights implemented by Rex in February 2018, combined with the Rex Community Fare Scheme implemented in May 2018,” she said.

The spokeswoman said the extra flights to Orange and the extra passengers, were delivering economic benefits to Orange.

“At this stage there are no plans to implement further services however Rex continually monitors network growth and sustainability,” she said.

MAP: Where is Orange Regional Airport …

A spokesman for Fly Corporate airline said while they could not provide figures they were “doing very well” with flights for Orange.

“The business is supported by the folk of Orange and the businesses,” he said.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said Fly Corporate’s arrival plus the Rex Community Fare scheme with council had made a “big difference.”

Cr Kidd said increased business activity in Orange with developments for the Department of Primary Industries, the new private medical complex on Forest Road and other sites was leading to increased use.

Deputy mayor and airport community committee chair Sam Romano said airport users needed more parking, extra lighting and night cameras to improve facilities and safety after car break-ins.

“It is always packed. You’ve got to park on the grass.” he said.

“You’d like to think your vehicle is secure.”