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Melbourne Airport will open its new pick-up and drop-off zones next month, in what it bills as the biggest change to its road network since the airport first opened in 1970.
Opening on 6 October, the free drop-off zone on level 3 of the T123 transport hub will provide “significantly more space” than the current departures ramp, which is prone to congestion, while the free level 2 pick-up zone will offer around 100 undercover parking spaces close to toilets.
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“With more than 100,000 people using Melbourne Airport every day and annual passenger numbers predicted to reach 75 million people by 2047, we need to expand our precinct,” said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus.
“This is an exciting change, but it’s also a big change and we know it will take people time to get used to it, so we’ll have plenty of staff on hand to help support drivers and passengers.
“The new pick-up and drop-off zones will separate private and commercial vehicles, provide drivers with more space and give our passengers comfortable places to wait away from Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.”
At the same time, the current departures ramp will close on 6 October, allowing the airport to begin work on $4.5 billion in projects to expand the international terminal.
“In partnership with Travellers Aid, we’ll be extending our free Melbourne Airport Assist service to the new pick-up and drop-off zones to ensure passengers who need assistance moving around the precinct have the support they need from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart,” said Argus.
“To help drivers familiarise themselves with the changes ahead of opening day, we’ve created an online journey planner to help people visualise what the trip will look like from the Tullamarine Freeway or Sunbury Road.”
The airport last month released its Master Plan, which 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.
The massive upgrades planned to its international terminal include 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.
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