Melbourne Airport has announced plans for a A$4.5bn (US$3.2bn) expansion of its international terminal following its busiest summer on record for international travel.
The privately funded program will be delivered in stages over several years and includes expanded international check-in and baggage claim halls, five new gates on the existing international pier and additional aircraft stands. The project will be enabled by the opening of new pickup and drop-off zones in the T123 Transport Hub in September 2026, enabling the international terminal to extend into the current forecourt area.
In January, more than 1.26 million international passengers passed through the airport, setting a new monthly record.
Key elements of the expansion include a larger check-in hall with common-user baggage facilities, five new aircraft stands capable of accommodating either five widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft, expanded baggage reclaim with additional carousels, and more space for border agencies, upgraded waiting areas and expanded retail and lounge facilities.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the development would complement the airport’s third runway, scheduled 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. 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.”
Argus added that the airport is working with the federal government on potential upgrades to border processing technology and facilities to improve the arrivals experience.
“With just one average daily international flight worth US$190m [US$135m] to the Victorian economy every year, these investments will help facilitate more services and secure thousands of jobs around the state,” she said.
Assistant minister for citizenship, customs and multicultural affairs Julian Hill said the upgrades were needed as demand continues to rise: “Australian airports are critical infrastructure – connecting people with family, friends and work, and welcoming visitors from across our nation and the world.”
Preliminary works on the first stage of the expansion will begin after the new road network opens in September.
Related news, Bristol Airport awards £30m terminal extension contract to Farrans
