Melbourne Airport has approved the Government of Victoria’s plans to build an above-ground rail station at the airport.
The new station and the corresponding rail line will improve connectivity to the airport. This will support passenger growth alongside the airport’s plans to open a third runway.
The airport has granted this approval despite consistently advocating for an underground station, rather than an above-ground option.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said:Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line. We will work with the Victorian Government to deliver their preferred above-ground station at the airport so the rail line can become a reality. With an estimated 45 million travellers a year predicted to be using our airport when the third runway opens, the rail link will support a massive increase in passenger numbers and billions of dollars in additional economic activity for Victoria.
While Melbourne Airport has consistently advocated for an underground station, we are prepared to compromise on our position to ensure we have more transport options in place for the millions of new passengers that will visit Victoria and the airport precinct’s expanding workforce.
The third runway project will allow for the growth of our existing airlines as well as attracting new carriers. There will be fewer delays with an additional runway and more flight options for travellers, putting downward pressure on air fares.
With this approval, Melbourne Airport now hopes to recommence discussions with the government, with an initial focus on the station’s design, the sequencing of construction works, and redress for the land required.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport plans to invest around 3 billion AUD in the additional north-south runway. This will facilitate the airport in accommodating more than 76 million passengers by 2042.
