Melbourne Airport has unveiled plans for a A$4.5 billion (US$3.2 billion) expansion of its international terminal.
The plans include expansion of the international check-in and baggage claim halls to better accommodate the increasing number of passengers flying in and out of Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said increased capacity on the airport’s airfield and terminals would allow airlines to schedule more flights to more places.
She said the expanded international terminal would provide an improved experience for passengers and complement the airport’s $3 billion third runway, which is due to open in 2031.
“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,” Argus said in a media release.
Five new gates will be added to the international pier under the expansion program, which will be delivered in stages and enabled by the opening of new pick-up and drop-off zones in the T123 Transport Hub in September 2026.
Key projects include an expanded check-in hall with high-tech, common user baggage facilities, five new aircraft stands, and an expanded terminal footprint, baggage reclaim and waiting areas.
The announcement followed the airport experiencing its busiest summer for international travel on record, with January setting a record for international travel as more than 1.26 million international passengers were processed.
Australia’s second busiest airport after Sydney, Melbourne Airport, is also midway through a $500 million project to upgrade the international baggage system.
Melbourne Airport is owned by Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), which also owns Launceston Airport, and is in turn owned by Dexus (27.32%), IFM Investors (25.17%), Future Fund (20.34%), SAS Trustee Corporation (18.47%) and Utilities of Australia (8.70%).
