Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Melbourne Airport Launches $4.5 Billion Overhaul of International Terminal

Airlines have given in‑principle support to the privately funded upgrade following a record January for international traffic.

Overview

  • The program will add five new gates for wide‑body aircraft that can be configured to handle up to eight narrow‑body planes.
  • Plans include larger international check‑in and baggage halls plus expanded lounge, waiting and retail areas to increase long‑haul capacity.
  • Early works are slated to start after a new road network and pick‑up/drop‑off zones open in September 2026, with construction phased over several years.
  • The airport positions the terminal works as complementary to a third runway targeted for 2031 and is seeking federal upgrades to border‑processing technology as the government signals cooperation.
  • The move follows a January record of about 1.26 million international passengers and rising competition from Western Sydney International’s debut this year and Avalon’s restart of overseas flights via Jetstar to Bali.