Melbourne Airport is working to finalise 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.
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It follows the busiest month on record for international travel at Melbourne Airport, with 1,147,533 international passengers using the airport in December.
International seat capacity into Australia’s largest 24-hour airport is at an all-time high, at 113 per cent of pre- pandemic levels, which is putting pressure on existing facilities. Foreign airlines account for 72 per cent of all international seat capacity into Victoria, and major carriers understand the current constraints and the need for expansion.
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.
The last expansion of the international terminal was completed in 2011, with the addition of five new gates and 41,000 square metres of extra space.
