We're planning for the future of international travel at Melbourne Airport!

With international travel at record highs, we are working closely with airlines to finalise the details of a major international terminal expansion to deliver increased terminal capacity and an enhanced passenger experience. 

In December, we welcomed more than 1.14 million international passengers – the busiest month for international travel in our history. 

With international seat capacity now at 113% of pre-pandemic levels, we need to enhance our facilities to meet the increasing demand from passengers and airlines.

Here’s what you can expect in the near future:

State-of-the-art baggage system

We’re midway through a $500 million upgrade to our baggage handling system. This state-of-the-art tote-based system will enable anytime check-in and early bag storage, streamlining the travel experience.

Increased Capacity

Planning is now underway to expand our check-in, baggage claim halls and passenger waiting areas. The addition of up to five new widebody gates will accommodate more flights and provide greater convenience for travellers.

Enhanced passenger experience

Discussions are underway with airlines on additional capacity for lounges, retail outlets, and more space to improve both departures and arrivals.

Enhanced Connectivity

The completion of our elevated road network by 2026 will improve accessibility to the terminal and support these planned upgrades.

Looking Ahead

We are aiming to have plans formalised by mid-2025, ensuring that construction can begin as soon as enabling infrastructure projects are completed.

This expansion builds on our last major international terminal upgrade in 2011, which added five gates and 41,000 square meters of space.

Explore More

View our media release and learn more about the plans for our international terminal expansion here.