AUSTRALIA. Melbourne Airport opened new pick-up and drop-off zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 earlier this month, while offering a preview of the terminal expansion into the existing forecourt.
The changes form part of the A$4.5 billion international terminal expansion, which will elevate check-in, arrivals and departure satellite areas, with designs focused on maximising natural light and creating a more calming travel environment.
The project will be delivered in stages to keep Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway operating during construction, which will run alongside the development of the airport’s third runway.
The international terminal expansion is moving forward following the closure of the ageing departures ramp and the opening of new pick-up and drop-off zones at the T123 transport hub.
The airport has received positive feedback from drivers and travellers, and continues to add signage where needed to guide people through the new traffic arrangements.
The latest changes come amid strong passenger activity, with the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle Dockers, San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams helping drive record September traffic.
Melbourne Airport recorded total passenger traffic of 3,143,097 across its terminals in September, including 2,114,826 domestic passengers.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus described the new pick-up and drop-off zones as the first phase of an A$17 billion privately funded infrastructure pipeline.
She said: “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. Having just recorded our busiest September on record, the need for this investment is obvious.
“We’re thrilled with how well Melburnians have adapted to the new pick up and drop off zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and we’d like to thank them for the way they’ve embraced the change.
“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.
“When the terminal works are completed, passengers will have more space at both check-in and baggage claim, with higher ceilings and more natural light, along with five additional gates for airlines and an upgraded lounge and retail offering.
“At the same time we’re building Melbourne Airport’s third runway which will help reduce flight delays and give airlines the flexibility they need to schedule more flights at the times people want to fly.
“We’re incredibly excited to be delivering this upgrade to Melbourne Airport and we thank people for their patience while we work to build the new infrastructure in amongst our 24-hour operation.” ✈
