A $4.5 billion expansion is on the cards for Melbourne Airport’s international terminal.
Melbourne Airport said the expansion incorporates several projects, including an expansion of both international check-in and baggage claim halls to better accommodate the increasing number of passengers flying in and out of Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway, according to the airport.
Five new gates will be added to the existing international pier, which Melbourne Airport said would give airlines more flexibility to schedule flights to more destinations at the times people want to fly.
According to Melbourne Airport, key projects include five new aircraft stands, an expanded waiting area, and an expanded check-in hall with high-tech, common user baggage facilities.
Other projects include an expanded terminal footprint with improved waiting areas, lounge facilities and retail offerings as well as an expanded baggage reclaim with extra baggage carousels and additional space for border agencies.
The expansion program will be delivered in stages and is enabled by the opening of new pick-up and drop-off zones in the T123 Transport Hub in September, which the airport said will pave the way for the international terminal to push out into the existing forecourt.
The privately funded expansion will be delivered over several years due to the challenges of building in a 24-hour live operating environment.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the expanded international terminal would provide an improved experience for passengers and complement the airport’s third runway, which is due to open in 2031.
“As Melbourne grows, demand for air travel is growing too and we are investing billions of dollars to deliver the infrastructure we need to accommodate that,” she said.
“Increased capacity on our airfield and terminals will allow airlines to schedule more flights to more places, which will give consumers and exporters more choice.
“We’ve spent several months working collaboratively with the airlines to ensure these plans meet their needs, while also delivering an improved experience for our travellers in both arrivals and departures.”
Preliminary works on the first stage of the international terminal expansion will begin following the opening of Melbourne Airport’s new road network in September.
