Melbourne Airport is retiring its Arrivals and Departures Drive in October after more than half a century, replacing it with a $500 million Transport Hub that will more than double pick-up and drop-off capacity – and make it free.
The T123 Transport Hub, built within the existing multi-level car park, will become the single pick-up and drop-off point for passengers travelling on Qantas, Virgin Australia and all international flights. New express ramps will connect directly from the Tullamarine Freeway, separating private cars from commercial vehicles for the first time.
CEO Lorie Argus said the current road network simply couldn’t keep pace with passenger growth, with traffic modelling showing peak-period wait times would blow out by 28 minutes by 2029 without intervention.
The October opening was carefully timed to land after the AFL finals and school holidays, giving travellers a few months to adjust before the Christmas rush.
Live trials are already underway ahead of the official launch, with accessibility testing conducted in partnership with Get Skilled Access and Traveller’s Aid to ensure the hub works for passengers with a range of needs.
Beyond the immediate passenger experience, the project unlocks Melbourne Airport’s next major ambition: a $4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal into the existing forecourt – a development that couldn’t proceed without first clearing the current road layout.
