After opening their new Pick Up and Drop Off zones earlier this month, Melbourne Airport is continuing to plan and design their $4.5 billion international terminal expansion. New artist impressions were released earlier today, giving us a taste of what to expect. Look forward to more space at check-in and baggage claim, five new international aircraft gates and more.
New artist impressions for Melbourne Airport international terminal expansion
The new Pick Up and Drop Off zones and the closure of the Departures ramp have helped pave the way for the expansion. The terminal footprint will expand out into the current forecourt area, with a sweeping glass façade allowing for more natural light and creating a calmer environment for travellers. The designs expand the check-in, arrivals and departure satellite areas, with escalators and elevators connecting to a pedestrian bridge.
Along with a larger check-in hall, you can also expect five additional gates, more carousels in baggage claim, higher ceilings and upgraded lounge and retail offerings.
“Demand for travel to and from Melbourne continues to grow and we are building the terminal, airfield and transport facilities we need to support that,” said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus. “With the old Departures ramp now closed to traffic we can start to plan further changes in the arrivals forecourt that will allow us to start construction on the much-needed international terminal expansion.”
The airport had its busiest September on record, due to the AFL Grand Final and the historic match between the LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. Earlier this morning, Indonesian-based TransNusa’s inaugural flight from Bali landed here in Melbourne, with Finnair scheduled to make its Melbourne debut next week.
The expansion will be carried out in different stages, ensuring that this 24-hour airport can continue to operate. Works will occur alongside construction of Melbourne Airport’s third runway, which is expected to open in 2031.
