Melbourne Airport is advancing plans for a significant expansion of its international terminal following a year of consultations with airlines.
This project aims to enhance capacity and improve passenger experience in response to increasing demand for air travel.
In December 2024, Melbourne Airport recorded its highest international passenger numbers, with 1,147,533 travellers. International seat capacity has reached 113% of pre-pandemic levels, placing strain on existing infrastructure, underscoring the necessity for expansion.
Following the completion of a new elevated road network in 2026, Melbourne Airport plans to expand its international check-in and baggage claim halls. Additionally, discussions are underway for an international satellite expansion, which would increase space for airline lounges, retail outlets, waiting areas, and up to five new widebody gates.
The airport is also in the midst of a 500 million AUD investment to replace its international baggage system with a state-of-the-art tote-based system. This upgrade will allow any-time check-in and early baggage storage, significantly enhancing efficiency.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said:We’re setting new records for international passenger numbers and as Melbourne’s population grows, it’s important that our infrastructure grows too.
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.
Formal plans are expected to be finalised by mid-2025, with construction commencing once supporting infrastructure projects are completed. The last expansion of the international terminal was completed in 2011, adding five gates and 41,000 square metres of additional space.
