Melbourne Airport has officially unveiled details of the new 4.5 billion AUD expansion of its international terminal.
The reveal comes following the busiest summer for international travel on record, with the plans incorporating several projects, including an expansion of both international check-in and baggage claim halls in order to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.
Five new gates will be added to the existing international pier, allowing airlines to schedule flights to additional destinations at peak times.
The expansion programme itself is planned to be delivered in stages, and will be enabled by the opening of a set of new Pick-up and Drop-off zones in the T123 Transport Hub later this year – which will itself allow for the international terminal to expand into the existing forecourt area.
Due to challenges relating to building in a 24-hour live operating environment, the expansion will be delivered over the course of several years.
Once completed, the airport will benefit from an expanded check-in hall with common user baggage facilities; five new aircraft stands (capable of accommodating five widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft); an expanded terminal footprint with improved waiting areas, lounge facilities and retail spaces; expanded baggage reclaim with extra carousels and additional space for border agencies; and an expanded area for meet and greets.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said: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.
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.
Our investment in new infrastructure will deliver much needed extra capacity, but it is only part of the puzzle.
We're keen to work with the federal government on upgrades to border processing technology and facilities to help further improve the arrivals experience for international travellers.
With just one average daily international flight worth 190 million AUD to the Victorian economy every year, these investments will help facilitate more services and secure thousands of jobs around the state.
The newly expanded terminal is expected to complement the airport’s third runway, which is due to open in 2031. Work will begin on the expansion following the opening of Melbourne Airport’s new road network in September.
