Melbourne Airport has opened new pick up and drop off zones, paving the way for an A$4.5 billion international terminal expansion.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) has opened new Pick up and Drop off zones in its T123 Transport Hub, forming part of an A$500 million road network that began operating at 4am today.
Passengers flying on Qantas, Virgin Australia and international services are now served by the larger zones, which are reached via a dedicated exit off the Tullamarine Freeway. The airport said the changes will help pave the way for an A$4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal.
Larger Pick up and Drop off zones
The new Drop off zone is designed to reduce the congestion that affected the ageing departures ramp during peak hours. It offers more lanes and almost double the number of bays.
The Pick up zone has 115 drive in/drive out bays, almost triple the number in the forecourt zone it replaces. For the first time, passengers being collected by family or friends can wait undercover, with access to seating and toilets.
A new 19-metre wide bridge connecting the T123 Transport Hub with the terminals has also opened. It features artwork that celebrates the Wurundjeri people and their culture.
Drivers must now leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier, at Exit 19 (Naarm Way), to reach a direct elevated roadway serving Pick up and Drop off for all airlines. The airport described the change as its biggest since opening in July 1970.
Dozens of additional Melbourne Airport staff and volunteers are on hand to help drivers and passengers adjust. The Melbourne Airport Assist service, which supports passengers with mobility needs, has been expanded, with operating hours extended from 3am to 1am.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the facilities are designed to help the airport better cater for millions of passengers.
“Today is an incredibly exciting day for us, but we understand it’s a big change for our travellers,” she said.
“Today we’re not just opening new Pick up and Drop off zones, but effectively a new front door for the airport, with a new gateway precinct and a new bridge to take people into the terminals.”
Argus said additional staff would be rostered over the coming weeks to help people navigate the new layout, and encouraged everyone to plan ahead and allow extra time.
She added that closing the departures ramp and opening the new zones will enable work to begin on expanding the footprint of the international terminal.
“We’re expecting to welcome 75 million passengers a year by 2047 so it’s imperative that we build the infrastructure now to support that growth.”
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