In a first for an Australian airport, travellers at Melbourne Airport will have access to a network of buggies and powered wheelchairs to help move around the growing precinct.
Melbourne Airport Assist was formally launched this morning and will integrate with existing airline support processes to ensure there is a human available to help at all stages of the passenger journey.
The service is operated by Travellers Aid and will be available to passengers seven days a week between the hours of 6am and 10pm.
Melbourne Airport Assist has been developed based on the results of a four-month trial conducted in 2024 and launched ahead of a busy school holiday period, with the airport expecting to welcome more than two million people.
The Thursday and Friday before the AFL Grand Final are forecast to be the busiest days of the two-week holiday period with almost a quarter of a million passengers expected in that 48 hours.
Last month Melbourne Airport welcomed a total of 2,990,480 passengers, including an August record for international travellers, with 960,907 people processed in Terminal 2.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the launch of Melbourne Airport Assist would help improve accessibility for people with mobility needs.
“Airports can be stressful places and for some people, simply getting in and out of the terminal doors is a challenge, so we’re happy to be able to provide this industry-leading service,” she said.
“We need to ensure the airport is not a barrier to people moving around the country, and we’re proud to have worked with airlines and travellers with lived experiences to deliver a service that meets their needs.
“The airport precinct is growing to accommodate Victoria’s growing population and the increasing demand for air travel.
“As part of that we are building our new drop off and pick up location in the Terminal 1,2, 3 car park which will allow us to expand our international terminal out into the forecourt.
“Our carparks will be very busy these holidays so we recommend travellers plan ahead, book parking online and allow extra time to get to the airport and find a parking space.”
Passenger figures for August 2025:
| Passengers | August 2025 | August 2024 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 960,907 | 922,916 | +4.1% |
| Domestic | 2,029,573 | 1,962,654 | +3.4% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 2,990,480 | 2,885,570 | +3.6% |
| Passengers | |
| International | 960,907 |
| Domestic | 2,029,573 |
| Total (excl. transits) | 2,990,480 |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to August 2024
Passenger figures for Financial Year to August
| Passengers | Financial Year 2025/26 | Financial Year 2024/25 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 2,003,429 | 1,924,118 | +4.1% |
| Domestic | 4,182,223 | 4,005,193 | +4.4% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 6,185,652 | 5,929,311 | +4.3% |
| Passengers | |
| International | 2,003,429 |
| Domestic | 4,182,223 |
| Total (excl. transits) | 6,185,652 |
*Percentage growth compared to FY 2024/25
Published 16 September 2025