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Melbourne Airport has released its draft 2027 Master Plan as it prepares for an estimated 75 million annual passengers by 2047.
The Master Plan, available online, outlines a suite of terminal upgrades, as well as infrastructure improvements, transport links, and a 345-metre eastern extension of the east-west runway to accommodate shortening at the western end for the upcoming third runway.
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It comes as Melbourne embarks on massive upgrades to its international terminal, including enlarging and modernising check-in and baggage claim halls; growing its terminal footprint with improved lounges, waiting areas and retail; and adding five new gates to the existing pier.
“Last financial year Melbourne Airport welcomed almost 37 million passengers, but that number is expected to double over the next two decades,” said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus.
“We need to plan ahead to ensure we have the airfield, terminal and ground transport infrastructure in place to adequately service the growing number of travellers, exporters and importers who are using Melbourne Airport.”
The plan also comes as work proceeds on the long-delayed Melbourne Airport rail link, with Argus saying good transport links are vital for the airport’s future.
“Local connectivity is a big part of this plan because we need to ensure our passengers and workforce have easy access to the precinct, which is already the state’s largest employment hub outside of the Melbourne CBD,” she said.
“As we continue to work with the State and Federal Governments to deliver their airport rail connection to Sunshine, we also need to plan for better local bus services to our surrounding communities.
“Further development of our business park will provide more employment opportunities for people living in Melbourne’s north and west, while sustainability is being integrated into our planning and operations through low carbon design, resource efficiency and climate resilience.”
Melbourne Airport in 2025-26 marked its busiest ever financial year, with almost 37 million passengers through its terminals.
Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway saw annual international passengers surpass 12 million for the first time, across more than 57,000 flights, with December 2025 also marking Melbourne’s busiest month on record since its opening in 1970.
China was the largest country of origin for non-Australian passport holders, up 8 per cent to 636,245, followed by New Zealand, India, the UK, and the US.
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