An increase in Chinese travelers through Australia's Melbourne Airport is expected to continue in December, with three additional airlines operating direct daily flights, airport chief said on Monday.

The Melbourne Airport's international passenger numbers for November increased by 9.6 percent than the same time last year, with a 26.7 percent rise in Chinese passport holders.

According to the statement of Melbourne Airport chief Chris Woodruff, the 38,700 Chinese commuters surpassed the number of visitors from the traditional United Kingdom market.

"With three airlines - Air China, China Eastern and China Southern - now flying daily direct services between Melbourne and China for the first time, the potential of China to become Melbourne's major tourism market is becoming more and more apparent," Woodruff said in a statement released on Monday.

He said the Chinese market was expected to continue to grow.