Melbourne Airport is calling on Vision Australia Radio listeners, and the blind and low vision community more broadly, to provide feedback on major future plans.
Changes to pick-up and drop-off areas
One of the most immediate changes for travellers will take effect in October.
Pick-up and drop-off arrangements for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 will move from the current road outside the terminals into the existing Terminal 1, 2 and 3 car park.
The move is designed to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and enable the expansion of the International Terminal.
Rosie Offord is the Head of Master Planning at Melbourne Airport. "For more than 55 years, people have been dropping off and picking up passengers in the same location," Offord says.
"We need to change a long-established habit, but the result should be a much smoother experience for passengers, family members, taxis and rideshare services."
The changes will affect travellers using the Qantas (T1), International (T2) and Virgin Australia (T3) Terminals.
Terminal 4, used by Jetstar and Rex, will continue operating under its existing arrangements.
More information is available at www.melbourneairport.com.au/pick-up-and-drop-off-hub.
Major growth planned
Melbourne Airport's third runway was approved by the Federal Government in 2024 and is expected to open in 2031. The project forms part of a broader growth strategy to accommodate a significant increase in passenger numbers over the coming decades.
The airport's updated Master Plan, which is revised every five years and looks ahead 20 years, outlines plans for future development across the airport precinct, including terminals, ground transport networks and commercial facilities.
According to Offord, more than $10 billion is expected to be invested over the next decade to support the airport's growth and improve the passenger experience.
Public consultation opens August 10
A key part of the process will be the public exhibition of Melbourne Airport's new Master Plan, which opens on August 10 and runs until early November.
The consultation will also include feedback on the airport's Noise Sharing Plan, which outlines how aircraft movements will operate once the third runway becomes operational.
Community members will be able to access information online, attend webinars, participate in community information sessions and provide feedback through a range of channels.
Accessibility feedback welcomed
Offord said Melbourne Airport is particularly interested in hearing from people with disability, including those who are blind or have low vision.
The airport is seeking feedback not only on the Master Plan itself, but also on how information is presented and how future airport changes can be made easier to navigate.
"We really want to hear from people about what we can do to make their lives easier," she says.
The airport is encouraging feedback from individuals, community organisations, businesses and advocacy groups, with all submissions forming part of the formal approval process reviewed by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure.
While individual responses to submissions will not be provided, all feedback received must be documented and addressed in a supplementary report that accompanies the Master Plan during the approval process.
How to have your say
Public consultation opens on August 10 and continues until early November.
People can learn more and make a submission via the Melbourne Airport Projects Hub by visiting Melbourne Airport Projects Hub website.
Feedback can also be submitted by email: [email protected]
Or by post:
Head of Planning
Melbourne Airport
Locked Bag 16
Tullamarine VIC 3043
People visiting Melbourne Airport can also access hard copies of the Master Plan and Noise Sharing Plan through airport reception services.
