kabarsula FIRST LOOK: Melbourne Airport opens new pick-up and drop-off zones bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Melbourne Airport has opened its new pick up and drop off zones, with a $500 million road network designed to ease congestion and give passengers more space and amenity.

The roads opened at 4am today, and passengers flying Qantas, Virgin Australia and international carriers now use larger zones in the T123 Transport Hub, reached via a dedicated new exit off the Tullamarine Freeway. Drivers must leave the freeway earlier at Exit 19 (Naarm Way) to reach the elevated roadway, which serves all airlines.

The opening clears the way for a $4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal. The airport described it as the biggest change to its roads since it opened in July 1970.

The new drop off zone has more lanes and almost double the number of bays, aimed at easing the peak-hour congestion that plagued the ageing departures ramp. The pick-up zone has 115 drive in/drive out bays, almost triple the number in the forecourt zone it replaces. For the first time, people meeting arriving passengers can wait undercover, with seating and toilets nearby.

A new 19-metre wide bridge links the T123 Transport Hub with the terminals. It features artwork celebrating the Wurundjeri people and culture.

The Melbourne Airport Assist service for travellers with mobility needs has been expanded, with its hours extended to run from 3am to 1am. Dozens of extra airport staff and volunteers are on hand to help drivers and passengers adjust.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the facilities were built to cater for the millions of travellers flying in and out of Melbourne.

“Today is an incredibly exciting day for us, but we understand it’s a big change for our travellers,” she said.

“Today we’re not just opening new pick-up and drop-off zones, but effectively a new front door for the airport, with a new gateway precinct and a new bridge to take people into the terminals.”

International terminal next

Argus said closing the departures ramp and opening the new zones would allow work to start on expanding the international terminal’s footprint. Extra staff will remain rostered over the coming weeks, and she urged travellers to plan ahead and allow extra time.

“We’re expecting to welcome 75 million passengers a year by 2047 so it’s imperative that we build the infrastructure now to support that growth,” she said.