Early works are underway ahead of the start of construction on Stage 2 of Naarm Way at Melbourne Airport, which will transform the way people arrive and depart the airport. 

Naarm Way Stage 2 will provide a direct connection from the Tullamarine Freeway to new dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones in the T123 car park, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing safety. 

The project will necessitate the closure of up to 2,000 parking spaces, which will reduce capacity, particularly during peak travel times such as the upcoming Labour Day long weekend and Easter holiday period. Despite the reduction in parking, travellers will still be able to take advantage of Melbourne Airport’s value rate of just $12 a day, which covers almost two-thirds of the car parks available. 

Chief of Ground Transport, Property & Retail, Jai McDermott, said that while there will be temporary inconveniences while construction is underway, the project is an investment in a better passenger experience for the future. 

“This project will take an estimated 70,000 cars off Terminal Drive each day and provide a more resilient road network designed to reduce stress for passengers either departing or arriving,” he said. 

“It does, however, mean we have to remove parking spaces in the Value Car Park and in the T123 parking facility to make way for this upgrade, so we encourage everyone to book parking online to secure the best rate, especially during peak times like the upcoming long weekend and Easter holidays.”

Stage 2 construction will begin in March. The first stage of the project linking the Tullamarine Freeway to the Terminal 4 car park and transport hub opened in the middle of 2023, with this second stage set to open in 2026. 

Naarm Way Stage 2 involves connecting a new road from the recently opened Naarm Way to all terminals. Levels 2 and 3 of the existing T123 car park will be repurposed for passenger pick-up and drop-off. Travellers will connect to the terminals via a new pedestrian footbridge, while cars will take exit ramps from the T123 Car Park to join back onto the Tullamarine Freeway. 

When completed, the existing forecourt will be closed to public traffic and be used exclusively by commercial vehicles such as SkyBus, taxis, rideshare vehicles, the value car park shuttle bus and other shuttle services.