One of Australia’s busiest airports will undergo its biggest change since 1970 – and it’s going to affect how passengers get to and from the location.
Melbourne Airport is about to get brand new drop-off and pick-up zones in the biggest transformation to the airport in over half a century.
From October 6, the existing zones at the airport will no longer operate, with cars able to use the new zones within the undercover parking area.
The changes mean that anyone who is heading to Melbourne Airport’s pick up or drop off zones will need to leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier at Exit 19 and use the elevated roadway to access the terminals.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the move will allow for the expansion of the international terminal.
“With more than 100,000 people using Melbourne Airport every day and annual passenger numbers predicted to reach 75 million people by 2047, we need to expand our precinct,” Ms Argus said.
“This is an exciting change, but it’s also a big change and we know it will take people time to get used to it, so we’ll have plenty of staff on hand to help support drivers and passengers.”
Travellers who are leaving their vehicle at the car park will be able to continue using the existing departures drive, while motorists dropping off passengers would drive along Naarm Way and head to the new drop off point at level 3.
Those picking people up from the airport can head to level 2, where more than 100 car spaces have been built and where loved ones can wait for their ride close to toilets and under shelter.
The existing 60-minute free wait zone, located off Mercer Drive, will continue to operate as normal.
These changes will mean that cars will no longer need to drop at multiple pedestrian crossings, which will allow the airport to close the existing forecourt carpark.
The move has divided locals online, with some travellers worried it will require “a lot more walking”, while others welcomed the change.
“This will be a disaster,” one shared. “I am absolutely dreading the long walk to the terminal.”
“Absolutely appalling and stupid,” another said. “Melbourne Airport must be the worst in the world.”
Others were excited for the updates,
“I’m excited for the changes,” one shared. “I think it’ll make coming and going a whole lot easier.”
“People always find something to complain about,” another said. “How about we wait to see what it is like. I think it’ll be great.”
Ms Argus explained the new Pick up and Drop off zones will separate private and commercial vehicles, provide drivers with more space and give our passengers comfortable places to wait away from Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
“As part of these changes, the current departures ramp will close on October 6, which will allow us to begin work on expanding the international terminal footprint out into the forecourt.
“To help drivers familiarise themselves with the changes ahead of opening day, we’ve created an online journey planner to help people visualise what the trip.”
Travellers who need extra assistance moving around the precinct will also have extra support, if they require.
“In partnership with Travellers Aid we’ll be extending our free Melbourne Airport Assist service to the new Pick up and Drop off zones to ensure passengers who need assistance moving around the precinct have the support they need from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart,” Ms Argus confirmed.