With the recent news that Melbourne is the world's fourth-best city, is it of any surprise that our airport is experiencing record-breaking numbers? Whether it's playing host to world-class sporting events like the Australian Open, blockbuster exhibitions or award-winning restaurants, people are flying to our city like bees to honey.
To respond to these soaring numbers (December saw the airport's busiest month on record with a whopping 1.14 million passengers), Melbourne Airport is preparing to transform its international terminal with an expansion that will ease congestion and improve travellers' overall experience.
The proposed upgrade will include: expanded check-in and baggage reclaim halls, additional airline lounges, new retail outlets, and up to five widebody gates to meet this growing demand. These upgrades will complement Melbourne Airport's ongoing $500 million project to replace its baggage system with cutting-edge technology that allows for check-in and early bag storage anytime.
The expansion aligns with Melbourne's position as Australia's largest 24-hour airport and a key international gateway, with seat capacity exceeding pre-pandemic levels at 113 per cent.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus emphasised the need for an expansion to accommodate growing demand: "During peak periods, we're expecting regular congestion in arrivals, so it's clear we need more space. These upgrades will provide passengers with a better experience and allow airlines to offer more flights."
With the airport's new elevated road network set to finish in 2026 and a third runway in the works, the ambitious project is set to meet the needs of Victoria's growing population and international travel demands.
Construction is said to begin following the finalisation of plans in mid-2025. You can visit the Melbourne Airport website for more information and to keep up to date.
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