Melbourne Airport is finalising the details of a major international terminal expansion, following 12 months of engagement with airlines to deliver increased terminal capacity and an enhanced experience for passengers.
The completion of Melbourne Airport’s new elevated road network in 2026 will allow for an expansion of the international check-in and baggage claim halls, while discussions continue on an expanded international satellite that would increase capacity for airline lounges, retail outlets and passenger waiting areas, and up to five new widebody gates.
Melbourne Airport is currently midway through a $500 million project to replace the international baggage system with a new, state-of-the-art tote-based system, which will increase capacity by allowing for any-time check-in and early bag storage.
“We’re setting new records for international passenger numbers and as Melbourne’s population grows, it’s important that our infrastructure grows too,” said Lorie Argus, CEO, Melbourne Airport. “During peak periods we are already experiencing regular congestion in the international arrivals area, so it’s obvious to us that our passengers and airlines need more space. We’re listening to our customers and working with our key international carriers to understand how we can deliver the best value for them and the best experience for our travellers. 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. We hope to have plans formalised by the middle of this year, so that we can start work as soon as the enabling infrastructure projects are completed.”
The last expansion of the international terminal was completed in 2011, with the addition of five new gates and 41,000sqm of extra space.
