Sydney Airport passenger numbers up

Sydney Airport has posted a 5.6 per cent rise in traffic for March, helped by a 10 per cent lift in inbound overseas passengers.

The number of passengers going through Sydney airport is up 5.6 per cent to 3.5 million. (AAP)

The number of passengers going through Sydney airport, Australia's busiest terminal, is up 5.6 per cent to 3.5 million.

International traffic was up 7.9 per cent with 1.2 million passengers going through the airport's gates in March, helped by a 10 per cent increase in foreign inbound visitors, while domestic traffic was up 4.4 per cent to 2.3 million.

Year to date, Sydney Airport reported a 7.6 per cent rise in total passengers to 10.4 million, saying the Royal Easter Show was a major drawcard.

"This exceptional growth continues to be driven by seat capacity from new and existing airline customers," chief executive Kerrie Mather said.