kabarsula Melbourne Airport unveils international terminal expansion designs after record September bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Melbourne Airport has released new artist impressions of its $4.5 billion international terminal expansion, with planning and design progressing after the opening of new pick-up and drop-off zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The designs show check-in, arrivals and departure satellite areas expanded into the current forecourt, with a focus on natural light to create a calmer environment for travellers.

The expansion will be delivered as a series of projects so the airport can keep operating around the clock, with work running alongside construction of the third runway. It follows the closure of the 56-year-old Departures ramp and the opening of the new zones in the T123 Transport Hub.

The airport said the new zones and elevated roadway had cut average peak travel times between Mickleham Road and the drop-off zone by 10 minutes in their first two weeks. It is adding signage to help people navigate the new arrangement.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new zones were the first phase of a $17 billion privately funded infrastructure pipeline.

“Having just recorded our busiest September on record, the need for this investment is obvious,” she said.

“With the old Departures ramp now closed to traffic we can start to plan further changes in the arrivals forecourt that will allow us to start construction on the much-needed international terminal expansion.”

Argus said passengers would get more space at check-in and baggage claim, higher ceilings, five additional gates for airlines and an upgraded lounge and retail offering. She said the third runway would help reduce delays and give airlines more scheduling flexibility.

September passenger numbers (excluding transits) were 3,143,097, up 2.5 per cent on September 2025. Domestic traffic rose 3.6 per cent to 2,114,826, while international edged up 0.2 per cent to 998,271. The airport credited the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle Dockers, San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams for the boost.

For the financial year to September, total passengers were 9,200,687, down 0.5 per cent on the same period last year. International fell 1.3 per cent to 2,961,607 and domestic slipped 0.2 per cent to 6,239,080.