Melbourne Airport has been named Best Airport in Australia/Pacific for the second consecutive year, thanks to the feedback of travellers taking part in the world’s largest aviation customer service poll, run by SkyTrax.

Melbourne was also one of two Australian airports to receive the COVID-19 Excellence Award – a new category recognising airports that provide the highest health, hygiene and safety protocols in response to the pandemic.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was proud passengers had recognised the airport’s ongoing efforts to improve the traveller experience.

“A seamless traveller journey is what we strive for, so it’s wonderful to know our upgrades are reflected positively through the eyes of the traveller,” he said.

“Despite the challenges of COVID, we know demand for air travel will return, which is why we continued with many major projects last year; ranging from upgrading the international arrivals hall to expanding our taxiway network.

“We’re always assessing how to best support passengers, especially during such difficult times, and in response to the pandemic we not only added hygiene measures but also worked closely with government and external agencies to implement new airport processes.

“Part of this work involved setting up a vaccination hub for quarantine and border workers, we established a high-risk arrivals zone separate to green-zone arrivals, and introduced a COVID-surveillance testing site used by hundreds of airport staff weekly. Our work in this space continues to evolve as we respond to the changing nature of COVID and its impacts on the travel industry.

“Our commitment to creating an airport that Melbourne can be proud of remains and we’re delighted our travellers value the changes we’ve implemented over the past 18 months.”