Melbourne Airport is preparing for significant expansion of its international terminal, plus a third runway, to accommodate soaring passenger demand but is facing consistent criticism about its transport links.
The terminal news follows a record-breaking December that saw over 1.1 million international travellers pass through the airport. However, surge in international travel, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 13 per cent has strained existing facilities.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the airport is exploring several key expansion projects.
“We’re setting new records for international passenger numbers and as Melbourne’s population grows, it’s important that our infrastructure grows too,” she said.
“During peak periods we are already experiencing regular congestion in the international arrivals area, so it’s obvious to us that our passengers and airlines need more space.
“We’re listening to our customers and working with our key international carriers to understand how we can deliver the best value for them and the best experience for our travellers.
“The upgrade of our baggage system is the first step of an ambitious expansion of our international terminal.
“More gates, more aircraft parking stands, more check-in space, and a larger baggage reclaim hall, combined with construction of Melbourne Airport’s third runway, would allow airlines to add more flights during peak times, which would give consumers and Victorian exporters more choice.”
The last major international terminal expansion at Melbourne Airport was completed in 2011, adding five new gates and 41,000sqm of space.
Is Melbourne Airport years behind other Australian hubs?
There is an argument that Victoria’s key airport is behind other Australian airports when it comes to infrastructure and passenger experience.
Personally found Melbourne always a “dump”
Horrid airport to city infrastructure
Terrible traffic
Average nightlife experience and food
ExpensiveBeen a few times, don’t get the hype at all, it wasn’t anything special back then, it’s the same today so big loss imho
— studiosoundguy (@SC21012022) January 12, 2025
The existing international terminal faces capacity constraints with passenger experience losing out as congestion impacts the entire process. Traffic congestion around the airport can be a major issue at peak times and there is no rail link to the airport from the CBD, much to the distain of many online.
Existing transport links include SkyBus, which is often standing room only, and often long queues for taxis and ride share.
There is also criticism of a limited drop off on the up ramp with marshals under pressure to keep traffic moving.
Yeah, SkyBus, sit in Melbourne traffic for over an hour, super convenient for catching those flying things that tend to have a set departure time!
Airport rail should have been built before the Metro tunnel and certainly before any other section of SRL. The problem is, we can't…
— Luke Donohue 🇦🇺 (@lukemdonohue) November 30, 2024
