View source for Melbourne Airport

{{Short description|International airport serving Melbourne, Victoria, Australia}}
{{About|the Australian airport|the suburb of the same name where this airport is situated|Melbourne Airport (suburb)|the airport in Florida, United States|Melbourne Orlando International Airport}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                = Melbourne Airport
| image               = Mel Air Mark.jpg
| image-width         = 100
| image2              = Tullamarine International terminal Vabre-1.jpg
| image2-width        = 210
| IATA                = MEL
| ICAO                = YMML
| WMO                 = 94866
| type                = Public
| owner-oper          = [[Australia Pacific Airports Corporation]] (APAC)
| city-served         = [[Melbourne]]
| location            = [[Melbourne Airport (suburb)|Melbourne Airport]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]
| opened              = {{start date and age|1970|07|01|df=yes}}
| hub                 = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Qantas]]
  | [[Virgin Australia]]}}
| focus_city          = 
| operating_base      = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Jetstar]]
  | [[Rex Airlines]]}}
| elevation-f         = 434
| coordinates         = {{coord|37|40|24|S|144|50|36|E|region:AU-VIC|display=inline,title}}
| website             = {{URL|www.melbourneairport.com.au}}
| mapframe            = yes
| metric-rwy          = y
| r1-number           = 09/27
| r1-length-m         = 2,286
| r1-surface          = Grooved [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]]
| r2-number           = 16/34
| r2-length-m         = 3,657
| r2-surface          = Grooved [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]]
| stat-year           = 2023–2024
| stat1-header        = Passengers (2025)
| stat1-data          = 36,151,615<ref name="airportdata">{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Airlines set to land as the international market takes off |url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/hong-kong-airlines-set-to-land-as-the-international-market-takes-off |website=Melbourne Airport official Website |access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref>
| stat2-header        = Aircraft movements
| stat2-data          = 217,041<ref name="planedata">{{cite web |title=Airport traffic data |url=https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/airport_traffic_data |website=bitre |publisher=[[Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics]]|access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref>
| stat3-header        = Economic impact (2023)
| stat3-data          = {{nowrap|$17.7 billion<ref name=MEL_ESI>{{cite web |title=Airport Economic & Social Impact Report 2023 |url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/melbourne-airport-economic-and-social-impact-report-2023 |publisher=Melbourne Airport |access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref><!--end nowrap:-->}}
| stat4-header        = Social impact (2023)
| stat4-data          = {{nowrap|146,000<ref name=MEL_ESI/><!--end nowrap:-->}}
| stat5-header        = Land area
| stat5-data          = {{cvt|2741|ha}}
| footnotes           = Sources: Australian [[Aeronautical Information Publication|AIP]] and aerodrome chart<ref name="AIP">{{AIP AU|YMML|name=Melbourne}}, [http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/dap/MMLAD01-129.pdf Aeronautical Chart] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410234832/http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/dap/MMLAD01-129.pdf |date=10 April 2012 }}</ref><br />Passengers and aircraft movements from the [[Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics]]
| timezone            = [[Australian Eastern Standard Time|AEST]]
| utc                 = [[UTC+10:00|UTC+10]]
| summer              = [[Australian Eastern Daylight Time|AEDT]]
| utcs                = [[UTC+11:00|UTC+11]]
}}

'''Melbourne Airport''' {{airport codes|MEL|YMML}}, also known as '''Tullamarine Airport''', is an [[international airport]] serving [[Melbourne, Victoria]], Australia. It is the second buisiest airport in Oceania, after [[Sydney Airport]]. Melbourne airport is operating [[24/7 service|24 hours a day]]. Established in 1970, replacing [[Essendon Airport]], Melbourne Airport is the main and sole [[international airport]] serving [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]].

The airport comprises four terminals: one international terminal, two domestic terminals and one budget domestic terminal. It is {{convert|18|km|abbr=off}} northwest of the [[Melbourne central business district|city centre]], adjacent to the suburb of [[Tullamarine, Victoria|Tullamarine]]. The airport has its own suburb with its own postcode — [[Melbourne Airport (suburb)|Melbourne Airport]], 3045 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auspostcode.com/postcode/3045 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707190651/http://www.auspostcode.com/postcode/3045 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 July 2011 |title=Suburbs in postcode 3045 – Australia Post Codes |publisher=Auspostcode.com |access-date=30 May 2011 }}</ref> The facility presently covers 2,741 [[hectares]] (6,773 [[acres]]) of airport property, making MEL among the largest airports in Australia in terms of land area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/master-plan|title=Melbourne Int'l Airport 2022 Master Plan (pgs.17,64,73,74)|website=melbourneairport.com.au|accessdate= November 15, 2023}}</ref>

In FY June 2024, around 24 million domestic passengers and 11 million international passengers used the airport.<ref name="airportdata"/> The airport features [[direct flight]]s to 33 domestic destinations and to destinations in the Pacific, Europe, Asia, North America and South America. Melbourne Airport is the number one arrival/departure point for the airports of four of Australia's [[List of Australian capital cities|seven other capital cities]].{{efn|The airport is the number one airport pair, for passenger travel, for [[Perth Airport|Perth]], [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]] and [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]] airports. It is the number two airport pair for [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]] and [[Darwin International Airport|Darwin]] airports.<ref name="DAA">{{cite web| url=https://bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/files/Domestic_airlines_YE%20Jun_2018.xlsx| title=Australian Domestic Aviation Activity 2017–18| publisher=[[Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics]]| date=September 2018| access-date=13 December 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402044629/https://bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/files/Domestic_airlines_YE%20Jun_2018.xlsx| archive-date=2 April 2019| url-status=dead}}</ref>}} Melbourne serves as a major hub for [[Qantas]] and [[Virgin Australia]], while [[Jetstar]] utilises the airport as home base. Domestically, Melbourne serves as headquarters for [[Team Global Express]] and handles more domestic freight than any other airport in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |title=2003 Annual Report |publisher=Melbourne Airport |year=2003 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/AnnualReport2003.pdf |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724033505/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/AnnualReport2003.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref>

==History==

===Establishment===
Before the opening of Melbourne Airport, Melbourne's main airport was [[Essendon Airport]], which was officially designated an international airport in 1950. In the mid-1950s, over 10,000 passengers were using Essendon Airport, and its limitations were beginning to become apparent. Essendon's facilities were insufficient to meet the increasing demand for air travel; the runways were too short to handle large jets, and the terminals failed to handle the increase in passengers. By the mid-1950s, an international overflow terminal was built in a new northern hangar. The airport could not be expanded, as it had become surrounded by residential districts.

The search for a replacement for Essendon commenced in February 1958, when a panel was appointed to assess Melbourne's civil aviation needs.<ref name="2010report">{{cite web |title=2010 Annual Report |publisher=Melbourne Airport |year=2010 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Media/docs/APAC%202010%20Annual%20Report-c1579a90-edd7-443e-8107-136af0c587e4-0.pdf |access-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724032935/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Media/docs/APAC%202010%20Annual%20Report-c1579a90-edd7-443e-8107-136af0c587e4-0.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2012 }}</ref> Alternative sites considered were Tullamarine ({{Convert|9|mi|4=1}} from Melbourne), Whittlesea ({{Convert|22|mi|4=1}}), Hastings ({{Convert|37|mi|4=1}}), Port Melbourne ({{Convert|3|mi|4=1}}), Werribee ({{Convert|20|mi|4=1}}), [[RAAF Williams#RAAF Williams, Laverton|Laverton]] ({{Convert|12|mi|4=1}}), [[Avalon Airport|Avalon]] ({{Convert|34|mi|4=1}}) and [[Moorabbin Airport|Moorabbin]] ({{Convert|12|mi|4=1}}).<ref name="aphgov" /> Considerations such as superior proximity to Melbourne and lower development costs narrowed the choice to either Tullamarine or Laverton, with Laverton eventually eliminated in part due to issues coordinating both military and civil activities that could not guarantee the degree of safety demanded, and that traffic coordination would be easier with the shorter distance between Essendon and Tullamarine.<ref name="aphgov">{{cite web |title=Report relating to the proposed construction of the Airfield Pavements for the Tullamarine Airport, Victoria |publisher=The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works |date=22 August 1963 |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/house_of_representatives_committees?url=reports/1963/1963_pp241.pdf |access-date=1 November 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604093319/https://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/house_of_representatives_committees?url=reports%2F1963%2F1963_pp241.pdf |archive-date=4 June 2019 }}</ref>

In 1959, the [[Government of Australia|Commonwealth Government]] acquired {{Convert|5300|ha|abbr=on}} of grassland in then-rural Tullamarine.<ref>{{cite news| last=Lucas| first=Clay| url=http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/train-derailed-by-buckpassing-and-vested-interests-20100625-z9sx.html| location=Melbourne| work=The Age| title=Melbourne Airport train link derailed by buck-passing| date=26 June 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213171730/http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/train-derailed-by-buckpassing-and-vested-interests-20100625-z9sx.html| archive-date=13 December 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In May 1959 it was announced that a new airport would be built at Tullamarine, with Prime Minister [[Robert Menzies]] announcing on 27 November 1962 a five-year plan to provide Melbourne with a A$45&nbsp;million "jetport" by 1967.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news| title=Melbourne to Get Jetport in 5-Year Development Plan| work=[[The New York Times]]| date=27 November 1962| url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F15FB3D5A157B93C5AB178AD95F468685F9| access-date=27 September 2008| archive-date=3 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103185336/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F15FB3D5A157B93C5AB178AD95F468685F9| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=12,000-Car Melbourne Jam| work=The New York Times| date=29 June 1970| url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3061EFD3E5D137B93CBAB178DD85F448785F9| access-date=27 September 2008| archive-date=3 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103185351/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3061EFD3E5D137B93CBAB178DD85F448785F9| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105906147 |title=Approval Given For New Melbourne Airport |work=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=34 |issue=9,553 |date=18 March 1960 |access-date=13 August 2017 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107094917/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105906147 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131764839 |title=Spending on two airports will be increased to £32m. |work=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=39 |issue=11,120 |date=2 April 1965 |access-date=13 August 2017 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107094930/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131764839 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first sod at Tullamarine was turned two years later in November 1964.<ref name=2010report /> In line with the five-year plan, the runways at Essendon were expanded to handle larger aircraft, with [[Ansett Australia]] launching the [[Boeing 727]] there in October 1964, the first jet aircraft used for domestic air travel in Australia.<ref name="essendonprofile">{{cite AHD|102718|Essendon Airport, Tullamarine Fwy, Strathmore, VIC, Australia| access-date =27 September 2008}}</ref><ref name=nyt/>

In 1966 the [[Department of Civil Aviation (Australia)|Australian Minister for Civil Aviation]] revealed that [[Paul Fayman]] had joined Leon Velik, Joseph Emanuel and [[Irvin Rockman]] in partnership with the [[Petersville (company)|Petersville Corporation]] to form a new company, Aerojet Caterers. Awarded a ten‑year concession to manage every catering outlet at the soon‑to‑open Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, Aerojet received an initial capital injection of $750,000 (worth over $12 million in 2024) to furnish and equip the terminal’s cocktail bar, dining room and buffet lounge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 June 1970 |title=Melbourne Airport Feature |work=The Age}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Steve |date=30 August 1977 |title=Lord mayor with a low profile |work=The Age |page=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 September 1966 |title=$750000 new airport restaurant |work=The Age |pages=9}}</ref> Once operational, the firm became best known for its Top Air restaurant on the airport’s second level—a fashionable venue that regularly entertained visiting celebrities and high‑profile politicians. Through its affiliate company, Astrojet Exhibitions, the group also launched the [https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/35357 Astrojet Space Museum] to showcase the latest in aerospace technology.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alan |first=Nicholls |date=12 August 1968 |title=Airport planning raises problems |work=The Age |page=8}}</ref>

[[File:Opening Of Melbourne Airport 1970 (2).jpg|thumb|left|Prime Minister [[John Gorton]] giving a speech at the opening of Melbourne Airport in 1970]]

On 1 July 1970, Prime Minister John Gorton opened Melbourne Airport to international operations. This ended Essendon's nearly two-decade run as Melbourne's international airport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110329924 |title=Tullamarine—a city's pride |work=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=44 |issue=12,664 |date=2 July 1970 |access-date=13 August 2017 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107094918/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110329924 |url-status=live }}</ref> Essendon still was home to domestic flights for one year, until they transferred to Melbourne Airport on 26 June 1971, with the first arrival of a [[Boeing 747]] occurring later that year.<ref>{{cite web| title=Essendon Airport History| publisher=[[City of Moonee Valley]]| url=http://www.enet.org.au/historyonline/airport/airport.html| access-date=20 July 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719052006/http://enet.org.au/historyonline/airport/airport.html| archive-date=19 July 2008| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=1997report/> In the first year of operations, Melbourne handled six international airlines and 155,275 international passengers.<ref name="1997report">{{cite web |title=1997–1998 Annual Report |publisher=Melbourne Airport |year=1998 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/Annual_Report_97-98.pdf |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815063352/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/Annual_Report_97-98.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Melbourne Airport was originally called "Melbourne International Airport". It is at Tullamarine, a name derived from the [[Indigenous Australians|indigenous]] name [[Tullamareena]].<ref name=essendonprofile/> Locally, the airport is commonly referred to as ''Tullamarine'' or simply as ''Tulla'' to distinguish the airport from the other three Melbourne airports: [[Avalon Airport|Avalon]], [[Essendon Airport|Essendon]] and [[Moorabbin Airport|Moorabbin]].<ref name="tullableeds">{{cite news| last=Moynihan| first=Stephen| title=Tiger bites into fares, but Tulla bleeds| work=The Age| date=13 July 2007| url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/tiger-bites-into-fares-but-tulla-bleeds/2007/07/12/1183833691213.html| access-date=31 July 2008| location=Melbourne| archive-date=5 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105153245/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/tiger-bites-into-fares-but-tulla-bleeds/2007/07/12/1183833691213.html| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=jqt4expansion/>

On opening, Melbourne Airport consisted of three connected terminals: International in the centre, with [[Ansett Australia|Ansett]] to the South and [[Trans Australia Airlines]] to the North. The design capacity of the airport was eight [[Boeing 707]]s at a rate of 500 passengers per hour, with minor expansion works completed in 1973 allowing [[Boeing 747]]s to serve the airport.<ref name="fac53">{{cite book| first=Jim| last=Eames| title=Reshaping Australia's Aviation Landscape: The Federal Airports Corporation 1986–1998| publisher=Focus Publishing| date=1 January 1998| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=piTpPQAACAAJ| isbn=978-1875359479| page=53| access-date=7 October 2019| archive-date=7 November 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107094915/https://books.google.com/books?id=piTpPQAACAAJ| url-status=live}}</ref> By the late 1980s peak passenger flows at the airport had reached 900 per hour, causing major congestion.<ref name="fac53" />

In late 1989, Federal Airports Corporation Inspector A. Rohead was put in charge of a bicentennial project to rename streets in Melbourne Airport to honour the original inhabitants, European pioneers and aviation history. Information on the first two categories was provided by Ian Hunter, Wurundjeri researcher, and Ray Gibb, local historian. The project was completed but was shelved, with the only suggested name, Gowrie Park Drive, being allocated, named after the farm at the heart of the airport. During the 1920s, the farm had been used as a landing site for aircraft, which were parked at night during [[World War II]] in case Essendon Aerodrome was bombed.<ref>Federal Airports Corporation documents, "Bulla Bulla" I.W. Symonds, the late Harry Heaps and Wally Mansfield</ref>

===Expansion and privatisation===

[[File:Boeing 727-276 VH-TBG Trans Australia Melbourne 24 March 1988.jpg|thumb|[[Trans Australia Airlines|Australian Airlines]] Boeing 727 at Melbourne Airport in 1988]]

In 1988, the Australian Government formed the [[Federal Airports Corporation]] (FAC), placing Melbourne Airport under the operational control of the new corporation along with 21 other airports around the nation.<ref name=1997report/>

The FAC undertook a number of upgrades at the airport. The first major upgrades were carried out at the domestic terminals,<ref name="1997report" /> with an expansion of the Ansett domestic terminal approved in 1989 and completed in 1991, adding a second pier for use by smaller regional airlines.<ref name="infrastructure2000">{{cite press release |url=http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/ja/releases/2000/april/a65_2000.htm |title=Anderson approves new Melbourne Airport terminal |date=15 April 2000 |access-date=29 July 2008 |publisher=minister.infrastructure.gov.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728143604/http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/ja/releases/2000/april/a65_2000.htm |archive-date=28 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="melbourneairport2002">{{cite press release |title=Domestic Multi-User Terminal For Melbourne Great For Competition |publisher=Melbourne Airport |date=26 August 2002 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=138 |access-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023065808/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=138 |archive-date=23 October 2007}}</ref> Work on an upgrade of the international terminal commenced in 1991, with the "SkyPlaza" retail complex completed in late 1993 on a site flanking the main international departure gates.<ref name="1997report" /> The rest of the work was completed in 1995, when the new three-level satellite concourse was opened at the end of the existing concourse. Diamond shaped and measuring {{Convert|80|m|abbr=on}} on each side, the additional 10 [[aerobridge]]s provided by the expansion doubled the international passenger handing capacity at Melbourne Airport.{{sfn|  Eames|1998| p=55}}

In April 1994, the Australian Government announced that all airports operated by FAC would be privatized in several phases.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=1286859&g=1| title=Airport Privatisation| author=Frost & Sullivan| date=25 April 2006| publisher=MarketResearch.com| access-date=20 July 2008| archive-date=6 July 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706044350/http://www.marketresearch.com/Heavy-Industry-c1595/Transportation-Shipping-c95/| url-status=live}}</ref> Melbourne Airport was included in the first phase, being acquired by the newly formed [[Australia Pacific Airports Corporation]] for $1.3 billion.<ref name="1997report" /> The transfer was completed on 30 June 1997 on a 50-year long-term lease, with the option for a further 49 years.<ref name="fac123">{{cite book|title=Reshaping Australia's Aviation Landscape: The Federal Airports Corporation 1986–1998|author=Jim Eames|publisher=Focus Publishing|year=1998|isbn=1-875359-47-8|page=123}}</ref> Melbourne Airport is categorized as a Leased Commonwealth Airport.<ref>[http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/airport/index.aspx Leased Federal Airports, Australian Government Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006210513/http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/airport/index.aspx |date=6 October 2014 }} (accessed 4 September 2014)</ref>

Since privatization, further improvements to infrastructure have begun at the airport, including expansion of runways, car parks and terminals. The multi-storey carpark outside the terminal was completed between 1995 and August 1997 at a cost of $49 million, providing 3,100 parking spaces, the majority undercover.<ref name=1997report/> This initially four-level structure replaced the previous open air carpark outside the terminal. Work commenced on the six-story 276-room Hilton Hotel (now Parkroyal) above the carpark in January 1999, which was completed in mid-2000 at a cost of $55 million. Expansion of the Qantas domestic terminal was completed in 1999, featuring a second pier and 9 additional aircraft stands.<ref name="report1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/APACAnnualReport1999.pdf |title=1999 Annual Report |publisher=Australia Pacific Airports |access-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724033809/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/APACAnnualReport1999.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref>

In December 2000, a fourth passenger terminal opened: the Domestic Express Terminal, located to the south of the main terminal building at a cost of $9 million. It was the first passenger terminal facility to be built at Melbourne Airport since 1971.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://data.iguana2.com/hastings/news-item?Number=170882&Code=AIX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326201457/http://data.iguana2.com/hastings/news-item?Number=170882&Code=AIX |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2012 |publisher=Australian Infrastructure Fund |title=New Domestic Express Terminal Opens at Melbourne Airport |date=5 December 2000 |access-date=20 September 2011}}</ref>

Expansion of carparks has also continued with a $40 million project commenced in 2004, doubling the size of the short term carpark with the addition of 2,500 spaces over six levels, along with 1,200 new spaces added to the 5,000 already available in the long term carpark.<ref name="report2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/AnnualReport2004.pdf |title=2004 Annual Report |publisher=Australia Pacific Airports |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815062347/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/AnnualReport2004.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Revenue from retail operations at Melbourne Airport broke the $100 million mark for the first time in 2004, this being a 100 per cent increase in revenue since the first year of privatization.<ref name=report2004 />

In 2005, the airport undertook construction works to prepare the airport for the arrival of the double-decker [[Airbus A380]]. The main work was the widening of the main north–south runway by {{Convert|15|m|abbr=on}}, which was completed over a 29-day period in May 2005.<ref name="report2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/APACAnnualReport.pdf |title=2005 Annual Report |publisher=Australia Pacific Airports |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815055717/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/APACAnnualReport.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The improvements also included the construction of dual airbridges (Gates 9 and 11) with the ability to board both decks simultaneously to reduce turnaround times, the extension of the international terminal building by {{convert|20|m|abbr=on}} to include new penthouse airline lounges, and the construction of an additional baggage carousel in the arrivals hall. As a result, the airport was the first in Australia to be capable of handling the A380.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Melbourne – Australia's first fully A380-ready city |date=10 November 2005 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=316 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721235815/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=316 |archive-date=21 July 2008 |publisher=Melbourne Airport}}</ref> The A380 made its first test flight into the airport on 14 November 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/11/14/1131816843503.html |title=The Airbus has landed |last=Barnes |first=Renee |date=14 November 2005 |work=The Age |access-date=29 September 2008 |location=Melbourne |archive-date=26 November 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051126224738/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/11/14/1131816843503.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 May 2008, the A380 made its first passenger flight into the airport when a [[Singapore Airlines]] Sydney-bound flight was diverted from Sydney Airport because of fog.<ref>{{cite episode |title=[[Seven News|Seven News Melbourne]]|series=Seven News |number=2008-05-15 |airdate=15 May 2008}}</ref> Beginning services in October 2008, [[Qantas]] was the first airline to operate the A380 from the airport, flying nonstop to [[Los Angeles International Airport]] twice a week. This was the inaugural route for the Qantas A380.<ref name="qfa380">{{cite press release |title=The Qantas A380 – Now on sale |date=16 June 2008 |publisher=Qantas |url=http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/au/publicaffairs/details?ArticleID=2008/jun08/3773 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627144617/http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/au/publicaffairs/details?ArticleID=2008%2Fjun08%2F3773 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2008 |access-date=30 June 2008 }}</ref>

In March 2006, the airport undertook a {{Convert|5000|m2|abbr=on}} expansion of Terminal 2, and the construction of an additional level of airline lounges above the terminal.<ref name="report2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/MELAC11534_AReport2006.pdf |title=2006 Annual Report |publisher=Australia Pacific Airports |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815064353/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/MELAC11534_AReport2006.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008 a further {{Convert|25000|m2|abbr=on}} expansion of Terminal 2 commenced, costing $330 million with completion in 2011. The works added five aerobridges on a new passenger concourse, and a new {{Convert|5000|m2|abbr=on}} outbound passenger security and customs processing zone.<ref name="report2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/17085_MA_Annual_Report2008.pdf |title=2008 Annual Report |publisher=Australia Pacific Airports |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815055649/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/17085_MA_Annual_Report2008.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2017, Melbourne Airport international passenger movements exceeded 10 million annual travellers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/getattachment/Corporate/About-us/Corporate-Information/Annual-reports/2018_APAC_Annual-_Report.pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU&ext=.pdf |title=APAC Annual report 2017/18 |access-date=4 June 2021 |archive-date=11 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175928/https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/getattachment/Corporate/About-us/Corporate-Information/Annual-reports/2018_APAC_Annual-_Report.pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU&ext=.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Financial Year of 2022/2023, international passenger movements exceeded 8 million travellers, up 330% post-COVID.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melbourne Airport passenger performance June 2023 and FY23 |url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/melbourne-airport-passenger-performance-june-2023-and-fy23 |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=www.melbourneairport.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

==Terminals==

Melbourne Airport's terminals have 68 gates: 53 domestic and 15 international.<ref>{{cite web |title=Melbourne Airport – Technical |publisher=Melbourne Airport |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/facts_figures/technicial.asp |access-date=30 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721205555/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/facts_figures/technicial.asp |archive-date=21 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are five dedicated freighter parking positions on the Southern Freighter Apron.<ref name="freighterpark">{{cite press release |title=Melbourne Airport – the hub for freight in Australasia |publisher=Melbourne Airport |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/freight.asp |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226090239/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/freight.asp |archive-date=26 February 2008}}</ref> The current terminal numbering system was introduced in July 2005; they were previously known as Qantas Domestic, International, and South (formerly Ansett Domestic).<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=268 |title=Melbourne Airport renames terminals |publisher=Melbourne Airport 
 |access-date=29 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724015431/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=268 |archive-date=24 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Terminal 1===
{{Multiple image||align=right||image1=Melbourne Airport - Terminal 1.jpg|thumb|caption1=Terminal 1 hosts Qantas and QantasLink domestic flights.||width1=170||image2=Bombardier Dash 8 - Melbourne Airport from DJ806 MEL-SYD.jpg||caption2=The second pier at Terminal 1 was built in 1999.||width2=190}}

[[File:Melbourne Airport Terminal 1 Qantas.jpg|thumb|Terminal 1 departures]]

Terminal 1 hosts domestic and regional services for Qantas Group airlines, [[Qantas]] and [[QantasLink]] (which is located to the northern end of the building). Check-in, security, a food court and the entrance to the Qantas Lounge Precinct are located on the first floor, while baggage claim is located on the ground floor. The terminal has 16 parking bays served by aerobridges; 12 are served by single aerobridges whilst four are served by double aerobridges. There are another five non-aerobridge gates, which are used by QantasLink.

Opened with Melbourne Airport in 1970 for [[Trans Australia Airlines]], the terminal passed to Qantas in 1992 when it acquired the airline. Work on improving the original terminal commenced in October 1997 and was completed in late 1999 at a cost of $50&nbsp;million, featuring a second pier, stands for 9 additional aircraft, an extended access roadway and the expansion of the terminal.<ref name="report1999" /><ref name=1997report/>

Today, a wide range of shops and food outlets are situated at the end of the terminal near the entrance into Terminal 2. [[Qantas]] has a [[Qantas Club]], Domestic Business Lounge and a Chairman's Lounge in the terminal.<ref>{{cite web| title=Qantas Club Locations| publisher=Qantas| url=http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/qantasClub/loungeLocations/australia| access-date=29 July 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722003421/http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/qantasClub/loungeLocations/australia| archive-date=22 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="airlinelounges">{{cite web |title=Melbourne Airport – Airline Lounges |publisher=Melbourne Airport |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/passenger_info/airline_info/lounges.asp  |access-date=29 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720002609/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/passenger_info/airline_info/lounges.asp |archive-date=20 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Terminal 2===
[[File:Melbourne Airport T2 Departure Gates.JPG|thumb|T2 departure gates]]

Terminal 2 handles all international, and limited domestic flights out of Melbourne Airport, and opened in 1970. The terminal has 20 gates with aerobridges. [[Cathay Pacific]], [[Qantas]] (which includes two lounges in Terminal 2, a First lounge, and a Business lounge/Qantas Club), [[Singapore Airlines]], [[Air New Zealand]] and [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] all operate airline lounges in the terminal.<ref name=airlinelounges/><ref>{{cite press release |title=Etihad Airways' new premium lounge opens at Melbourne airport |url=http://www.etihad.com/en-au/about-us/etihad-news/archive/2016/etihad-airways-new-premium-lounge-opens-at-melbourne-airport/ |publisher=Etihad Airways |date=9 May 2016 |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717151111/http://www.etihad.com/en-au/about-us/etihad-news/archive/2016/etihad-airways-new-premium-lounge-opens-at-melbourne-airport/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The international terminal contains works by noted [[Contemporary Indigenous Australian art|Australian Indigenous artists]] including [[Daisy Jugadai Napaltjarri]] and [[Gloria Petyarre]].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Battersby |first=Jean |year=1996 |title=Art and Airports 2 |journal=Craft Arts International |volume=37 |pages=49–64}}</ref>

A $330&nbsp;million expansion programme for Terminal 2 was announced in 2007 and completed in 2012. The objectives of this project included new lounges and retail facilities, a new satellite terminal, increased luggage capacity and a redesign of customs and security areas.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22311158-2862,00.html |title=More space promised in Melbourne airport facelift |work=[[Herald Sun]] |location=Melbourne |date=27 August 2007 |access-date=29 July 2008 |first=John |last=Masanauskas |archive-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525195546/https://www.webcitation.org/66X8o9T7i?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/m-terminal-facelift/story-e6frf7kx-1111114271669 |url-status=live }}</ref> A new satellite terminal was also constructed as part of the project, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows which offer views of the North-South runway. The new concourse also includes three double-decker aerobridges, each of which can accommodate an A380 or two smaller aircraft and one single aerobridge. The baggage handling capacity was also increased, and two new [[baggage carousel]]s were built to cater to increased A380 traffic.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/t2/facts.asp |title=$330m Expansions to Melbourne's International Terminal |date=25 August 2007 |publisher=Melbourne Airport |access-date=25 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831031001/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/t2/facts.asp |archive-date=31 August 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Although described as a satellite terminal, the terminal building is connected by an above-ground corridor to Terminal 2. Departures take place on the lower deck (similar to the A380 boarding lounges currently in use at Gates 9 and 11), with arrivals streamed on to the first floor to connect with the current first floor arrivals deck.

===Terminal 3===
[[File:Melbourne Airport Terminal 3 interior 2017.jpg|thumb|Terminal 3's former interior]]

Terminal 3 opened with the airport as the [[Ansett Australia]] terminal, but is now owned by Melbourne Airport. Terminal 3 is currently home to [[Virgin Australia]]. It has eleven parking bays served by single aerobridges and eight parking bays not equipped with aerobridges.

An expansion of the terminal was approved in 1989 and completed in 1991 when a second pier was added by Ansett to the south for use by smaller regional airline [[Kendell Airlines|Kendell]], which Ansett owned.<ref name="infrastructure2000"/><ref name="melbourneairport2002"/> The terminal was used exclusively by the [[Ansett Australia|Ansett Group]] for all its domestic activities until its collapse in 2001. It was intended to be used by the "new [[Ansett Australia|Ansett]]", under ownership of Tesna; however, following the Tesna group's withdrawal of the purchase of Ansett in 2002, the terminal was sold back to Melbourne Airport by [[Ansett Australia|Ansett]]'s administrators. As a result, Melbourne Airport undertook a major renovation and facelift of the terminal, following which [[Virgin Australia]] (then Virgin Blue) moved in from what was then called Domestic Express (now Terminal 4),<ref>{{cite press release |title=Virgin Blue and Melbourne Airport Reach Terminal Deal |publisher=Melbourne Airport |date=23 July 2002 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=134 |access-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724023004/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=134 |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref> and has since begun operating The Lounge in the terminal, using the former Ansett Australia Golden Wing Lounge area.<ref name=airlinelounges/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Lounge Pricing |publisher=Virgin Blue |url=http://www.virginblue.com.au/thelounge/pricing/ |access-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723111103/https://www.virginblue.com.au/thelounge/pricing/ |archive-date=23 July 2008}}</ref> Rex also operates an airline lounge in the terminal.<ref>{{cite web| title=Rex Lounge| publisher=Regional Express| url=http://www.rex.com.au/FlightInfo/RexLounge.aspx| access-date=15 August 2008| archive-date=23 March 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323212142/http://www.rex.com.au/FlightInfo/RexLounge.aspx| url-status=live}}</ref>

===Terminal 4===
[[File:Pier with gates 41-52.jpeg|thumb|Pier with gates 41–52, part of Terminal 4]]

Terminal 4 is dedicated to budget airlines and is the first facility of its kind at a conventional airport in Australia. It was originally constructed for [[Virgin Australia|Virgin Blue]] ([[Virgin Australia]]) and [[Impulse Airlines]]. Virgin Blue eventually moved into Terminal 3 following the demise of Ansett.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=138 |title=Domestic Multi-User Terminal For Melbourne Great For Competition |date=26 August 2002 |work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases |access-date=2 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023065808/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=138 |archive-date=23 October 2007}}</ref> A refit began in June 2007<ref name=":2">{{cite news |last=Platt |first=Craig |title=Tiger offers more discount fares |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/10/08/1191695789803.html |access-date=4 April 2014 |work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=8 October 2007 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143618/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/10/08/1191695789803.html |url-status=live }}</ref> along the lines of the budget terminal model at [[Singapore Changi Airport]] and [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport]]. The refit cost AU$5 million.<ref name=":2" /> Lower [[landing fee|landing]] and airport handling fees are charged to airlines due to the basic facilities, lack of [[jet bridge]]s, and fewer amenities and retail outlets compared to a conventional terminal. However, the terminal is located next to the main terminal building, unlike in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The terminal was rebuilt by Tiger Airways Australia, which had used it as its main hub since it operated its first domestic flight on 23 November 2007.<ref>{{cite news| last=Murphy| first=Mathew| title=Fares to fall as city sinks its claws into Tiger| work=The Age| date=3 May 2007| url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/fares-to-fall-as-city-sinks-its-claws-into-tiger/2007/05/02/1177788225184.html| access-date=30 June 2008| location=Melbourne| archive-date=5 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105153252/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/fares-to-fall-as-city-sinks-its-claws-into-tiger/2007/05/02/1177788225184.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

Jetstar confirmed its involvement in discussions with Melbourne Airport regarding the expansion of terminal facilities to accommodate for the growth of domestic low-cost services. The expansion of Terminal 4 includes infrastructure to accommodate [[Tigerair Australia]] and [[Jetstar]]  flights. The development cost hundreds of millions of dollars.<ref name="jqt4expansion">{{cite news| last=Murphy| first=Mathew| title=Jetstar bid for Tulla expansion| work=The Age| location=Melbourne| date=19 May 2008| url=http://business.theage.com.au/jetstar-bid-for-tulla-expansion-20080518-2flw.html| access-date=30 June 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519184803/http://business.theage.com.au/jetstar-bid-for-tulla-expansion-20080518-2flw.html| archive-date=19 May 2008| url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2012, airport officials would break ground that October and they expected completion in July 2014, however, they pushed that date to late August 2015. The facility opened on 18 August 2015 with Jetstar first utilising the terminal. The new T4 terminal is {{Convert|35000|m2|abbr=on}} and linked "under one roof" with T3. Terminal 4 is currently used by [[Rex Airlines]], Jetstar, and [[Airnorth]]. [[Tigerair Australia]] and [[Bonza]] formerly also used Terminal 4 before going into administration.

The terminal has Rex Airlines and Jetstar check-ins, baggage claim and bag drop on ground floor whilst the food court, shops and lounges are located on the first floor, which lead to the departure/arrival zone.

Some Virgin Australia flights currently use the jet bridge equipped section of Terminal 4 for operations(formerly shared with the now-ceased REX Boeing 737 operations), while Jetstar uses the non-jet bridge equipped section of Terminal 4 for operations. Currently [[Airnorth]] does not operate any services to Melbourne, however still retains their check-in/baggage check-in desks.

===Southern freighter apron===
The southern freighter apron has five dedicated freighter parking positions which host 21 dedicated freighter operations a week.<ref name=freighterpark/> In August 1997, the fifth freighter parking position and the apron was extended.<ref name=1997report/>

[[File:Airporttocarparkwalkway.jpg|thumb|Walkway to car park]]

===Other facilities===
Melbourne Airport is served by six hotels. A [[Parkroyal]] Hotel is located {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}} from Terminal 2 atop the multi-level carpark. Work commenced on the six-story 280-room hotel in January 1999 and was completed in mid-2000.<ref name=report1999/> The hotel was originally a [[Hilton Hotel|Hilton]] but was relaunched as the Parkroyal on 4 April 2011.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/article/Parkroyal-returns-to-Melbourne-with-new-GM/528781.aspx |title=Parkroyal returns to Melbourne with new GM |journal=Hospitality |date=4 April 2011 |location=Australia |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411061803/http://hospitalitymagazine.com.au/Article/Parkroyal-returns-to-Melbourne-with-new-GM/528781.aspx |archive-date=11 April 2011 }}</ref> A [[Holiday Inn]] is located {{convert|400|m|abbr=on}} from the terminal precinct. [[Ibis Budget]] offers budget rooms located {{convert|600|m|abbr=on}} from the terminals. [[Accor|Mantra]] Tullamarine opened in 2009, {{convert|2|km|abbr=on}} from the terminal precinct.<ref>{{cite web| title=Accommodation - Melbourne Airport| publisher=Melbourne Airport| url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/accommodation| access-date=21 January 2025}}</ref> A combined 4.5-star [[Novotel]] and 4-star [[Ibis Styles]] hotel located in The Hive precinct opened on 1 July 2024. The Novotel boasts 248 rooms, while the Ibis Styles offers 216 rooms. Both hotels are located a 5-minute walk from Terminals 3 and 4 and a 10-minute walk from Terminals 1 and 2. During late 2023, the Parkroyal underwent a major refurbishment of all guest rooms.

==Operations==
[[File:YMML Layout.svg|thumb|Airport layout (as of May 2024)]]
[[File:Melbourne Airport control tower Vabre-2.jpg|thumb|The original control tower, January 2009]]

===Overview===
Melbourne is the second busiest airport in Australia. The airport is [[Night flying restrictions|curfew]]-free and operates 24 hours a day, although between 2&nbsp;am and 4&nbsp;am, freight aircraft are more prevalent than passenger flights.<ref name="flightschedule">{{cite web |title=Melbourne Flight summary |publisher=Melbourne Airport |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/fids/scheduled/pdf/Web_Weekly_Schedule.pdf |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720025819/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/fids/scheduled/pdf/Web_Weekly_Schedule.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2008 }}</ref> In 2004, the environmental management systems were accredited [[ISO 14001]], the world's best practice standard, making it the first airport in Australia to receive such accreditation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Melbourne Airport – Environment |publisher=Melbourne Airport |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/environment.asp |access-date=30 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719190153/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/environment.asp |archive-date=19 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Runways===
Melbourne Airport has two intersecting runways: one {{convert|3657|m|abbr=on|0}} north–south and one {{convert|2286|m|abbr=on|0}} east–west. Runway extensions are planned in the long-term, including an {{convert|843|m|abbr=on|0}} extension of the north-south runway to lengthen it to {{convert|4500|m|abbr=on|0}}, and a {{convert|1214|m|abbr=on|0}} extension of the east–west runway to a total of {{convert|3500|m|abbr=on|0}}.

In 2008, Melbourne Airport announced the installation of a Category III landing system, allowing planes to land in low visibility, such as fog. This system, the first of its kind in Australia, was commissioned in March 2010 at a cost of $10 million.<ref>{{cite news| last=Murphy| first=Mathew| author2=Burgess, Matthew| title=Plan to fog-proof Melbourne Airport| work=The Age| location=Melbourne| date=5 June 2008| url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/news/melbourne-airport-to-become-fogproof-by-years-end/2008/06/05/1212258956175.html| access-date=30 June 2008| archive-date=5 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105153333/http://www.theage.com.au/news/news/melbourne-airport-to-become-fogproof-by-years-end/2008/06/05/1212258956175.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

====Third runway====
Due to increasing air traffic and limited capacity, proposals for third runway at Melbourne Airport have been under consideration since the 1990s, appearing in successive long-term master-plan documents. Two new runways have been proposed: a 3,000 m runway parallel to the current north–south runway and another 3,000 m runway south of the existing east–west runway.<ref name="draftmasterplan">{{cite web |title=2008 Draft Master Plan |publisher=Melbourne Airport |date=28 April 2008 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/MelbourneAirport_MasterPlan2008.pdf |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325112840/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/MelbourneAirport_MasterPlan2008.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2009 }}</ref>

In 2013, a new parallel east-west runway was proposed, with a then estimated cost of $500–750 million. If sent for approval, construction was expected to begin around 2018 and finish by 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ausbt.com.au/melbourne-airport-plans-500m-third-east-west-runway-for-2018-2022|title=Melbourne Airport plans $500m third runway for 2018–2022|date=20 November 2012 |access-date=8 December 2012|archive-date=31 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015640/http://www.ausbt.com.au/melbourne-airport-plans-500m-third-east-west-runway-for-2018-2022|url-status=live}}</ref> However, following a consultation period in 2019, Melbourne Airport dropped these plans in favor of constructing a new parallel north-south runway to the west, citing concerns about aircraft noise in suburbs under the flight path including Gladstone Park, Westmeadows, Attwood, and Jacana, as well as wind direction considerations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/melbourne-airport-s-long-awaited-third-runway-could-change-direction-20190627-p521zc.html|title=Melbourne Airport's long-awaited third runway could change direction|date=27 June 2019|publisher=The Age|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721001400/https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/melbourne-airport-s-long-awaited-third-runway-could-change-direction-20190627-p521zc.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/residents-fear-deafening-noise-from-third-melbourne-airport-runway-20190719-p528wx.html|title=Residents fear 'deafening' noise from third Melbourne Airport runway|date=19 July 2019|publisher=The Age|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721001358/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/residents-fear-deafening-noise-from-third-melbourne-airport-runway-20190719-p528wx.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2024, the Federal Government officially approved the construction of the third runway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/13/federal-government-approves-third-runway-for-melbourne-airport|title=Federal government approves third runway for Melbourne airport|date=12 September 2024|work=The Guardian|access-date=15 September 2024|archive-date=12 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912212242/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/13/federal-government-approves-third-runway-for-melbourne-airport|url-status=live}}</ref> The project will be wholly funded by the airport, costing $3 billion, and involve construction of a second parallel north-south runway. New taxiways will also be built and the existing east-west runway length will be retained.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/melbourne-airport-s-runway-to-secure-51-000-jobs-for-victoria|title=Melbourne Airport's runway to secure 51,000 jobs for Victoria|date=13 September 2024|publisher=Melbourne Airport|access-date=15 September 2024|archive-date=15 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915022409/https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/melbourne-airport-s-runway-to-secure-51-000-jobs-for-victoria|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction will commence in 2025 with completion expected by 2031. The new runway is intended to increase capacity and support future growth as Melbourne's population continues to grow. However, the project has faced opposition from nearby residents, local councils and community groups, including the City of Brimbank, over concerns about noise in affected suburbs of Bulla, Keilor, Kealba, St Albans and Sunshine North as well as environmental impacts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/residents-sound-alarm-call-for-curfew-after-third-melbourne-airport-runway-approved-20240913-p5kaal.html|title=Residents sound alarm, call for curfew after third Melbourne Airport runway approved|date=13 September 2024|publisher=The Age|access-date=15 September 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913070544/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/residents-sound-alarm-call-for-curfew-after-third-melbourne-airport-runway-approved-20240913-p5kaal.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Control towers===
The first control tower opened in 1969 with the construction of the airport, is {{convert|47|m}} tall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aicomos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009-_UnlovedModern_Gray_-Kate_-Mornemnent-Adam_Air-Traffic-Control-Towers_Paper1.pdf|title=Air traffic control towers in Australia|website=Australia International Council on Monument and Sites|publisher=Lovell Chen Architects and Heritage Consultants|access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref> Construction of a taller second control tower began in 2010. It is located just west of the original control tower and is {{convert|75|m}} tall. It became operational in 2013 and was officially opened on 14 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2014/03/new-melbourne-atc-tower-officially-opened/|title=New Melbourne ATC tower officially opened|website=Australian Aviation|date=17 March 2014|access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airwaysmuseum.com/ML%20TWR%202%204.htm|title=Melbourne Towers - 2013|website=The Civil Aviation Historical Society & Airways Museum|access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref> The original tower, while no longer in use, was not demolished. Both control towers are located south of the east-west runway and west of the original north-south runway.

===Melbourne Airspace Control Centre===
In addition to the onsite control tower, the airport is home to [[Melbourne Centre]], an [[air traffic control]] facility that is responsible for the separation of aircraft in Australia's busiest [[flight information region]] (FIR), Melbourne FIR. Melbourne FIR monitors airspace over Victoria, Tasmania, southern New South Wales, most of South Australia, the southern half of Western Australia and airspace over the [[Indian Ocean|Indian]] and [[Southern Ocean]]. In total, the centre controls 6% of the world's airspace.<ref>{{cite web |title=Melbourne Centre |publisher=[[Airservices Australia]] |url=http://www.airservices.gov.au/aboutus/facilities/centres/melbournecentre.asp |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723224816/http://www.airservices.gov.au/aboutus/facilities/centres/melbournecentre.asp |archive-date=23 July 2008}}</ref> The airport is also the home of the [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]], Adelaide and Melbourne approach facilities, which provide control services to aircraft arriving and departing at those airports.

==Airlines and destinations==
===Passenger===
<!-- Please use independent sources, not the airport or airline as they are not independent. -->
{{Airport destination list
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| [[Air China]] | [[Beijing Capital International Airport|Beijing–Capital]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/air-china-resumes-sydney-melbourne-flights-to-beijing | title=China's "big three" airlines boost flights to Australia - Executive Traveller | date=20 January 2023 }}</ref>
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| [[Air India]] | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airpaz.com/en/airlines/AI-Air-India/airport-airport/melbourne-airport-mel-indira-gandhi-international-airport-del|title=Air India Flight from Melbourne Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport|website=www.airpaz.com}}</ref>
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| [[Air New Zealand]] | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]],<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Auckland, New Zealand AKL|pages=91-93}}</ref> [[Christchurch Airport|Christchurch]],<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Christchurch, New Zealand CHC|pages=302-302}}</ref> [[Queenstown Airport|Queenstown]], [[Wellington Airport|Wellington]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Wellington, New Zealand WLG|pages=1372-1373}}</ref>
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| [[AirAsia X]] | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220718-d7nw22sw|title=AIRASIA X RESUMES AUCKLAND / MELBOURNE SERVICE IN NOV 2022|publisher=Aeroroutes|date=18 July 2022|access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref>
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| [[Asiana Airlines]] | '''Seasonal:'''  [[Incheon International Airport|Seoul–Incheon]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Ashton|first=Chris|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/asiana-airlines-melbourne-seoul-flights|title=Asiana Airlines launches Melbourne-Seoul flights|website=Executive Traveller|date=15 November 2023|access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Batik Air Malaysia]] | [[Ngurah Rai International Airport|Denpasar]], [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/277887/malindo-air-files-melbourne-june-2018-launch |title=Malindo Air files Melbourne June 2018 launch |work=Routes Online |last=Liu |first=Jim |date=29 March 2018 |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629044052/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/277887/malindo-air-files-melbourne-june-2018-launch/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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| [[Beijing Capital Airlines]] | [[Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport|Hangzhou]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Beijing Capital Airlines Adds Hangzhou – Melbourne From June 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240415-jdjun24mel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Cathay Pacific]] | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Hong Kong (SAR) China HKG|pages=543-547}}</ref>
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| [[Cebu Pacific]] | [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport|Manila]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221214-5jns23mel|title=CEBU PACIFIC REOPENS MELBOURNE BOOKINGS IN MAR/APR 2023|website=Aeroroutes|date=14 December 2022|access-date=14 December 2022}}</ref>
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| [[China Airlines]] | [[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport|Taipei–Taoyuan]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Taipei, Chinese Taipei TPE|pages=1253-1255}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/249561/china-airlines-to-start-melbourne-service-from-late-oct-2015/ |title=China Airlines to Start Melbourne Service from late-Oct 2015 |date=23 June 2015 |work=Routes Online |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=16 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716030439/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/249561/china-airlines-to-start-melbourne-service-from-late-oct-2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Liu|first=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240623-cinw24melakl|title=China Airlines Files Melbourne – Auckland Schedule in NW24|work=AeroRoutes|access-date=23 June 2024}}</ref>
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| [[China Eastern Airlines]] | [[Nanjing Lukou International Airport|Nanjing]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Liu|first=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240517-muns24nkgmel|title=China Eastern Adds Nanjing – Melbourne in late-2Q24|work=AeroRoutes|access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai–Pudong]],<ref name="China">{{cite web |title=China Eastern / China Southern Resumes Melbourne Service in late-Jan 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230109-czmumel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=9 January 2023}}</ref> [[Xi'an Xianyang International Airport|Xi'an]]<ref name="SOHUjune25">{{cite web |title=直飞"超级枢纽"土耳其，西安国际航线密集上新 |url=https://news.sohu.com/a/901758452_735537 |publisher=SOHU.com |access-date=9 June 2025 |date=5 June 2025 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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| [[China Southern Airlines]] | [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]]<ref name="China"/><br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Beijing–Daxing]]<ref>{{cite web |title=China Southern Schedules Beijing – Australia Seasonal Service in NW24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241001-cznw24pkxau |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=2 October 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Delta Air Lines]] | [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] (begins 3 December 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/delta-los-angeles-melbourne/|title=Delta announces nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne|publisher=Business Traveller USA|date=3 February 2025|accessdate=17 July 2025}}</ref>
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| [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Dubai, United Arab Emirates DXB|pages=337-343}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Flynn|first=David|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/emirates-melbourne-singapore|title=Emirates to axe Melbourne-Singapore flights on March 30|publisher=Executive Traveller|date=9 December 2024|access-date=9 December 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Etihad Airways]] | [[Zayed International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates AUH|pages=14-16}}</ref>
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| [[Fiji Airways]] | [[Nadi International Airport|Nadi]]
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| [[Garuda Indonesia]] | [[I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport|Denpasar]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Harada|first=Mark|url=https://karryon.com.au/industry-news/garuda-resumes-nonstop-melbourne-bali-flights/|title=Garuda Indonesia resumes nonstop Melbourne-Bali flights|publisher=Karryon|date=2 November 2022|access-date=3 November 2022}}</ref> [[Soekarno–Hatta International Airport|Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/garuda-melbourne-jakarta-flights|title=Garuda Indonesia restarts Melbourne-Jakarta flights|last=Ashton|first=Chris|work=Executive Traveller|publisher=Business Travel Media Pty Ltd|location=Sydney|date=12 October 2022|accessdate=12 October 2022}}</ref>
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| [[Hainan Airlines]] | [[Haikou Meilan International Airport|Haikou]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Hainan Airlines Resumes Haikou – Melbourne From late-June 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230515-hujun23mel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> 
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| [[Hong Kong Airlines]] | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]] (begins 13 December 2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Airlines Schedules Melbourne Dec 2025 Launch |url=http://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250721-hxnw25mel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=22 July 2025}}</ref> 
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| [[Japan Airlines]] | [[Narita International Airport|Tokyo–Narita]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/273026/jal-proposes-melbourne-launch-in-sep-2017/ |title=JAL proposes Melbourne launch in Sep 2017 |work=Routes Online |date=26 May 2017 |last=Liu |first=Jim |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528051929/http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/273026/jal-proposes-melbourne-launch-in-sep-2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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| [[Jetstar]] | [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Ayers Rock Airport|Ayers Rock]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/Jetstar-to-launch-Melbourne-Uluru-service/ |title=Jetstar to launch Melbourne-Uluru service |work=Travel Weekly |date=11 March 2014 |access-date=11 January 2017 |archive-date=18 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818214158/http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/Jetstar-to-launch-Melbourne-Uluru-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ballina Byron Gateway Airport|Ballina]], [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]], [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Busselton Margaret River Airport|Busselton]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-06/melbourne-to-margaret-river-busselton-direct-flights-launched/100969294|title=Direct flights launched between Melbourne and WA's Margaret River tourism and wine region|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=6 April 2022|first1=Dinushi|last1=Dias|first2=Rosemary|last2=Murphy|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> [[Cairns Airport|Cairns]], [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]],<ref>{{cite news |author1=Penny Travers |title=Jetstar to fly directly from Canberra to Melbourne, Gold Coast |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-09/jetstar-direct-flights-canberra-to-melbourne-gold-coast/101048538 |work=ABC News |date=9 May 2022 |language=en-AU}}</ref> [[Christchurch Airport|Christchurch]], [[Darwin International Airport|Darwin]], [[I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport|Denpasar]], [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]], [[Hervey Bay Airport|Hervey Bay]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Nelson|first=Jake|url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/11/jetstar-to-fly-direct-between-melbourne-and-hervey-bay/|title=Jetstar to fly direct between Melbourne and Hervey Bay|publisher=[[Australian Aviation]]|date=14 November 2023|access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref> [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]], [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport|Ho Chi Minh City]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/vietnam-just-a-bargain-away-with-jetstar-to-offer-direct-flights/news-story/8a8ad5dd0f32ad4b14db6f2b51382ac8 |title=Vietnam Just a bargain away with Jetstar to offer direct flights |work=Herald Sun |date=19 January 2017 |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107094932/https://insight.adsrvr.org/track/up?adv=12uiapu&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fsubscribe%2Fnews%2F1%2F%3FsourceCode%3DHSWEB_WRE170_a%26dest%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%252Fnews%252Fvictoria%252Fvietnam-just-a-bargain-away-with-jetstar-to-offer-direct-flights%252Fnews-story%252F8a8ad5dd0f32ad4b14db6f2b51382ac8%26memtype%3Danonymous%26mode%3Dpremium%26v21%3Ddynamic-cold-control-noscore%26V21spcbehaviour%3Dappend&upid=trk7f24&upv=1.1.0 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Launceston Airport|Launceston]], [[Nadi International Airport|Nadi]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Jetstar Schedules Melbourne – Nadi Dec 2023 Launch |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230705-jqdec23melnan |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=5 July 2023}}</ref> [[Newcastle Airport, New South Wales|Newcastle]], [[Perth Airport|Perth]], [[Phuket International Airport|Phuket]], [[Whitsunday Coast Airport|Proserpine]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite press release |url=http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-boost-queensland-flying/ |title=Qantas and Jetstar Boost Queensland Flying |publisher=Qantas |date=11 February 2015 |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305213725/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-boost-queensland-flying/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Queenstown Airport|Queenstown]], [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]],<ref name="QantasInternational">{{cite web|url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-gear-up-for-accelerated-border-opening/|title=Qantas-and-jetstar-gear-up-for-accelerated-border-opening|publisher=Qantas|date=22 October 2021|access-date=22 October 2021|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021222014/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-gear-up-for-accelerated-border-opening/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sunshine Coast Airport|Sunshine Coast]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]], [[Townsville Airport|Townsville]]
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| [[Juneyao Air]] | [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai–Pudong]]<ref name="China2024">{{cite web |title=JUNEYAO AIRLINES PLANS MELBOURNE / SYDNEY LATE-DEC 2024 LAUNCH |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240818-honw24au |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=19 August 2024}}</ref>
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| [[LATAM Chile]] | [[Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport|Santiago de Chile]]<ref>{{cite web |title=LATAM Chile Moves Melbourne Service Resumption To Sep 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230302-lamel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=1 March 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Link Airways]] | [[Dubbo Regional Airport|Dubbo]], [[Orange Airport|Orange]], [[Shellharbour Airport|Wollongong]]<ref name="LinkMEL">{{cite web|url=https://www.linkairways.com/destinations/melbourne|title=For all Melbourne flights from 7 January 2024 onwards|website=Link Airways|access-date=14 December 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Malaysia Airlines]] | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]
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| [[Philippine Airlines]] | [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport|Manila]]
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| [[Qantas]] | [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Alice Springs Airport|Alice Springs]], [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Cairns Airport|Cairns]], [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]], [[Christchurch Airport|Christchurch]], [[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/dfw-airport-offering-non-stop-qantas-service-to-melbourne/ | title=DFW Airport Offering Non-Stop Qantas Service to Melbourne | website=[[CBS News]] | date=26 March 2022 }}</ref>  [[Darwin International Airport|Darwin]], [[I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport|Denpasar]],<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-announces-daily-melbourne-bali-service/ |title=Qantas Announces Daily Melbourne-Bali Service Launch |publisher=Qantas |date=7 February 2018 |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330082932/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-announces-daily-melbourne-bali-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]],<ref>{{cite news |date=22 July 2015 |url=https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-to-kick-off-melbourne-gold-coast-flights |title=Qantas to start Melbourne-Gold Coast flights from October |work=Australian Business Traveller |last=Chamberlain |first=Chris |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625075608/https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-to-kick-off-melbourne-gold-coast-flights |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Qantas resumes Hong Kong in June |url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-flight-delays-melbourne-hong-kong?mibextid=uc01c0 |access-date=16 February 2023 |publisher=Executive traveller}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Flynn|first=David|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-will-restart-hong-kong-flights-in-january-2023|title=Qantas will restart Hong Kong flights in January 2023|publisher=Executive Traveller|date=17 November 2022|access-date=19 November 2022}}</ref> [[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport|Honolulu]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Qantas launches Melbourne-Honolulu flights|url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-discounts-50000-seats-across-the-americas-to-mark-launch-of-melbourne-to-honolulu-flights-2/|website=qantasnewsroom|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref> [[Soekarno–Hatta International Airport|Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta]],<ref>{{cite web |title=QANTAS RESUMES MELBOURNE – JAKARTA SERVICE FROM APRIL 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230202-qfcgk |website=AeroRoutes |access-date=2 February 2023 |language=en-CA |date=2 February 2023}}</ref> [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]], [[Perth Airport|Perth]], [[Queenstown Airport|Queenstown]],<ref>{{cite press release |title=Get Your Skis On: Qantas Launches Direct Flights From Melbourne to Queenstown |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/get-your-skis-on-qantas-launches-direct-flights-from-melbourne-to-queenstown/ |access-date=27 May 2019 |publisher=Qantas |date=26 February 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527134229/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/get-your-skis-on-qantas-launches-direct-flights-from-melbourne-to-queenstown/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]], [[Sunshine Coast Airport|Sunshine Coast]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]], [[Narita Airport|Tokyo–Narita]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-boosts-international-network-restoring-capacity-adding-more-aircraft-launching-new-routes/ | title=Qantas boosts international network: restoring capacity, adding more aircraft, launching new routes| date=19 May 2023}}</ref> [[Wellington Airport|Wellington]] <br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Broome International Airport|Broome]],{{cn|date=February 2025}} [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/air-india-melbourne-mumbai-flights|title=Air India cuts Melbourne flights - Executive Traveller|date=6 February 2025|website=www.executivetraveller.com}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[QantasLink]] | [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Albury Airport|Albury]],<ref name="QFRegional">{{cite web|title=Qantas announces "major expansion" to domestic regional network|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/12/21/qantas-announces-major-expansion-to-domestic-regional-network/|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107094918/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/12/21/qantas-announces-major-expansion-to-domestic-regional-network/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/first-qantaslink-a220-routes/ |title=Australian domestic flight network {{pipe}} Qantas |access-date=24 February 2024 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224101146/https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/first-qantaslink-a220-routes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Burnie Airport|Burnie]],<ref>{{cite press release |title=QANTAS Heads Back to Burnie |date=7 May 2021 |publisher=QANTAS |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-heads-back-to-burnie/ |access-date=8 May 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508114015/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-heads-back-to-burnie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]], [[Coffs Harbour Airport|Coffs Harbour]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Qantas adds new routes to north coast for holidays by the sea |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-adds-new-routes-to-north-coast-for-holidays-by-the-sea/ |website=Qantas |access-date=19 February 2021 |language=English |archive-date=19 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219063814/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-adds-new-routes-to-north-coast-for-holidays-by-the-sea/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Devonport Airport|Devonport]], [[Hamilton Island Airport|Hamilton Island]],<ref name="HTI PPP">{{cite web |title=Qantas / Jetstar Adjusts Hamilton Island / Proserpine Service in 4Q25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250609-qfjqnw25au |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=9 June 2025}}</ref> [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]], [[Launceston Airport|Launceston]], [[Mildura Airport|Mildura]], [[Newcastle Airport, New South Wales|Newcastle]],<ref name="QFRegional"/>  [[Townsville Airport|Townsville]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/295933/qantas-adds-seven-routes-increases-widebody-flying/|title=Qantas adds seven routes, increases widebody flying|publisher=RoutesOnline|date=25 May 2021|accessdate=15 July 2022}}</ref> [[Wagga Wagga Airport|Wagga Wagga]] <br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Merimbula Airport|Merimbula]]{{cn|date=February 2025}}
<!-- -->
| [[Qatar Airways]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]{{efn|name=Doah|Some Qatar Airways flights stop at an intermediate domestic stop en route to their destination; however Qatar Airways has [[Freedoms of the air#Eighth freedom (consecutive_cabotage)|no traffic rights]] to carry passengers solely between Melbourne and the intermediate domestic stop.}}
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| [[Rex Airlines]] | [[Burnie Airport|Burnie]], [[Devonport Airport|Devonport]], [[King Island Airport|King Island]], [[Merimbula Airport|Merimbula]], [[Mildura Airport|Mildura]], [[Mount Gambier Airport|Mount Gambier]], [[Wagga Wagga Airport|Wagga Wagga]]
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| [[Royal Brunei Airlines]] | [[Brunei International Airport|Bandar Seri Begawan]]
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| [[Scoot]] | [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Singapore, Singapore SIN|pages=1214-1219}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Shenzhen Airlines]] | [[Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport|Shenzhen]] (begins 23 December 2025)<ref>{{cite web|title=Shenzhen Airlines Schedules Melbourne late-Dec 2025 Launch|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250808-zhnw25mel}}</ref>
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| [[Sichuan Airlines]] | [[Chengdu Tianfu International Airport|Chengdu–Tianfu]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Sichuan Airlines NS23 International / Regional Service Changes |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230221-3uns23 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=21 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Lands More Non-Stop Flights From China |url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victoria-lands-more-non-stop-flights-china |website=Premier of Victoria |access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref>
 <!-- -->
| [[Singapore Airlines]] | [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Singapore, Singapore SIN|pages=1214-1219}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[SriLankan Airlines]] | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/273036/srilankan-airlines-resumes-melbourne-service-from-oct-2017/ |title=SriLankan Airlines resumes Melbourne service from Oct 2017 |work=Routes Online |last=Liu |first=Jim |access-date=26 June 2019 |date=29 May 2017 |archive-date=29 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529044253/http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/273036/srilankan-airlines-resumes-melbourne-service-from-oct-2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[Thai Airways International]]}} | [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Bangkok, Thailand BKK|pages=109-113}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Turkish Airlines]] | [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]], [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish Airlines Moves Melbourne Launch to early-March 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240128-tkmar24mel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[United Airlines]] |[[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]]
<!-- -->
| [[VietJet Air]] | [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport|Ho Chi Minh City]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam SGN|pages=538-541}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ashton|first=Chris|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/vietjet-brisbane-sydney-melbourne-ho-chi-minh-city|title=Vietjet locks in flights to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne|website=Executive Traveller|date=11 January 2023|access-date=31 March 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Vietnam Airlines]] | [[Noi Bai International Airport|Hanoi]],<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Hanoi, Viet Nam HAN|pages=522-524}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vietnam Airlines Adds Hanoi – Melbourne Route From June 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230410-vnmel |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=10 April 2023}}</ref> [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport|Ho Chi Minh City]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam SGN|pages=538-541}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Virgin Australia]] | [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Ayers Rock Airport|Ayers Rock]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/virgin-australia-to-fly-to-uluru-from-melbourne-and-brisbane/news-story/d660816746ca3928f860dd663cdf0bc7|title=Virgin Australia to fly to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane|publisher=news.com.au|date=21 November 2023}}</ref> [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Cairns Airport|Cairns]], [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]], [[Darwin International Airport|Darwin]], [[I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport|Denpasar]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/virgin-australia-group-cuts-routes-and-retires-aircraft-after-business-review/c62429ee-f793-47b5-bdc1-629bb3c07e2a?ref=BP_RSS_ninenews_5_virgin-australia-cuts-routes--retires-planes_061119 | title=Virgin Australia retires three planes and routes after business review | access-date=7 November 2019 | archive-date=5 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805074720/https://www.9news.com.au/national/virgin-australia-group-cuts-routes-and-retires-aircraft-after-business-review/c62429ee-f793-47b5-bdc1-629bb3c07e2a?ref=BP_RSS_ninenews_5_virgin-australia-cuts-routes--retires-planes_061119 | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]] (begins 1 December 2025),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250113-vanw25meldoh|title=Virgin Australia Adds Melbourne – Doha Service in NW25|website=AeroRoutes}}</ref> [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]], [[Hamilton Island Airport|Hamilton Island]], [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]], [[Launceston Airport|Launceston]], [[Nadi International Airport|Nadi]], [[Newcastle Airport, New South Wales|Newcastle]], [[Perth Airport|Perth]], [[Queenstown Airport|Queenstown]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-australia-launches-queenstown-wellington-flights |title=Virgin Australia launches Queenstown, Wellington flights |date=16 April 2018 |work=Australian Business Traveller |language=en-AU |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=24 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424140339/https://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-australia-launches-queenstown-wellington-flights |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sunshine Coast Airport|Sunshine Coast]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| [[XiamenAir]] | [[Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport|Xiamen]]
}}

[[Qantas]] also operates dedicated "flightseeing" services over [[Antarctica]] from Melbourne. These flights, using a [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]], depart Melbourne from Terminal 1, and provide a guided aerial tour of Antarctica before returning to Australia. These flights are about thirteen hours in total.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Qantas Antarctic Sightseeing Flights|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/qantas-antarctic-sightseeing-flights/amp|website=Aerotime}}</ref>

===Cargo===
{{Airport destination list
<!-- --> 
| [[Cathay Cargo]]<ref>[https://www.cathaypacificcargo.com/en-us/manageyourshipment/checkflightschedule.aspx cathaypacificcargo.com - Check Flight Schedule] retrieved 17 December 2022</ref> | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport|Toowoomba]]
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| [[DHL Aviation]] |[[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| [[Qantas Freight]]<ref>[https://freight.qantas.com/freight-planning/flight-schedule.html freight.qantas.com - Freighter schedule] retrieved 17 December 2022</ref> | [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Cairns Airport|Cairns]], [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]], [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]], [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]], [[Launceston Airport|Launceston]], [[Perth Airport|Perth]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| [[Singapore Airlines Cargo]]<ref>[https://www.siacargo.com/network.asp siacargo.com - Network] retrieved 17 December 2022</ref>| [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]
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| [[Tasman Cargo Airlines]] |[[Auckland Airport|Auckland]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thorn |first1=Adam |title=DHL ADDS MELBOURNE-NEW ZEALAND FREIGHTER SERVICE |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2020/11/dhl-adds-melbourne-new-zealand-freighter-service/ |access-date=26 November 2020 |publisher=Australian Aviation |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125124722/https://australianaviation.com.au/2020/11/dhl-adds-melbourne-new-zealand-freighter-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Christchurch Airport|Christchurch]], [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Changi Airport Freight Arrivals |url=https://www.changiairport.com/en/flights/arrival-freighter.html |website=Changi Airport Freight Arrivals |access-date=26 November 2023 }}</ref>
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}}

==Traffic and statistics==
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=MEL|title=Annual (civil years) traffic on Tullamarine}}

In 2016–17 Melbourne Airport recorded around 25 million [[Domestic airport|domestic]] passenger movements and around 10 million international passenger movements.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/airport_traffic_data.aspx |title=Airport traffic data: 1985–86 to 2021-22 |website=Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Economics|access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020073306/https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/airport_traffic_data.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In that year there were 239,466 aircraft movements in total.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/publications/reports-and-statistics/movements-at-australian-airports/ |title=Movements at Australian airports: Financial Year 2017 |website=Airservices Australia |access-date=12 January 2018 |archive-date=12 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160417/http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/publications/reports-and-statistics/movements-at-australian-airports/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Melbourne Airport was tipped to record 47 million passengers in the year to June 30, 2020, before the pandemic hit, but instead recorded 27.2 million as state and international borders were closed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heraldsun.com.au {{!}} Subscribe to the Herald Sun for exclusive stories|url=https://dsf.newscorpaustralia.com/heraldsun/subscription/|access-date=2021-12-09|language=en-AU}}</ref> Melbourne is the [[List of the busiest airports in Australia|second busiest airport in Australia]] for passenger movements, behind [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]] and ahead of [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]].

===Total annual passengers===
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=MEL}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Annual passenger statistics for Melbourne Airport<ref name="calyrstats">{{cite web|url=https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/webairport_cy_1985-2022.xlsx|title=Airport Traffic Data 1985 to 2022|access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref>
! Year !! Domestic !! International !! Total !! Change
|-
|1986
|5,164,516
|1,174,440
|6,682,718
|{{Increase}} 4.5%
|-
|1987
|5,699,956
|1,418,691
|7,118,647
|{{Increase}} 7.4%
|-
|1988
|6,176,184
|1,539,270
|7,715,454
|{{Increase}} 8.4%
|-
|1989
|4,895,075
|1,629,282
|6,524,357
|{{Decrease}} -15.4%
|-
|1990
|6,143,657
|1,717,191
|7,860,848
|{{Increase}} 20.5%
|-
|1991
|7,939,506
|1,703,956
|9,643,372
|{{Increase}} 22.7%
|-
|1992
|8,172,013
|1,737,596
|9,909,969
|{{Increase}} 2.8%
|-
|1993
|8,646,398
|1,847,877
|10,494,273
|{{Increase}} 5.9%
|-
|1994
|9,619,815
|1,871,508
|11,491,323
|{{Increase}} 9.5%
|-
|1995
|10,481,695
|2,011,154
|12,492,849
|{{Increase}} 8.7%
|-
|1996
|11,097,264
|2,193,309
|13,290,573
|{{Increase}} 6.4%
|-
|1997
|11,127,711
|2,373,135
|13,600,846
|{{Increase}} 2.3%
|-
| 1998
| 11,429,141 || 2,489,132 || 13,918,273 || {{increase}} 1.8%
|-
| 1999
| 11,900,956 || 2,654,807 || 14,555,763 || {{increase}} 4.1%
|-
| 2000
| 12,933,747 || 3,043,629 || 15,977,376 || {{increase}} 8.7%
|-
| 2001
| 13,265,849 || 3,315,572 || 16,581,421 || {{increase}} 2.6%
|-
| 2002
| 12,883,149 || 3,313,751 || 16,196,900 || {{decrease}} -2.9%
|-
| 2003
| 14,021,489 || 3,199,534 || 17,221,023 || {{increase}} 8.8%
|-
| 2004
| 15,812,950 || 3,936,435 || 19,749,385 || {{increase}} 12.8%
|-
| 2005
| 16,505,127 || 4,224,635 || 20,729,762 || {{increase}} 4.4%
|-
| 2006
| 17,276,578 || 4,291,290 || 21,567,868 || {{increase}} 4.7%
|-
| 2007
| 18,185,325 || 4,565,084 || 22,750,409 || {{increase}} 5.3%
|-
| 2008
| 19,835,386 || 4,732,544 || 24,567,930 || {{increase}} 9.1%
|-
| 2009
| 19,755,218 || 5,130,352 || 24,885,570 || {{decrease}} -0.4%
|-
| 2010
| 21,522,253 || 5,872,511 || 27,394,764 || {{increase}} 8.9%
|-
| 2011
| 21,206,546 || 6,460,958 || 27,667,504 || {{decrease}} -1.5%
|-
| 2012
| 22,098,350 || 6,819,242 || 28,917,592 || {{increase}} 4.2%
|-
| 2013
| 22,908,284 || 7,312,143 || 30,220,427 || {{increase}} 3.7%
|-
| 2014
| 23,364,327 || 8,022,466 || 31,386,793 || {{increase}} 2.0%
|-
| 2015
| 23,930,897 || 8,859,316 || 32,790,213 || {{increase}} 2.4%
|-
| 2016
| 24,732,603 || 9,642,586 || 34,375,189 || {{increase}} 3.4%
|-
| 2017
| 25,235,738 || 10,323,782 || 35,559,520 || {{increase}} 2.0%
|-
| 2018
| 25,692,745 || 11,223,884 || 36,916,629 || {{increase}} 1.8%
|-
| 2019
| 25,815,647 || 11,318,644 || 37,134,291 || {{increase}} 0.5%
|-
| 2020
| 6,462,941 || 2,434,451 || 8,897,392 || {{decrease}} -75.0%
|-
| 2021
| 6,763,686 || 396,590 || 7,160,276 || {{increase}} 4.7%
|-
| 2022
| 20,309,831 || 5,381,023 || 25,690,854 || {{increase}} 200.3%
|-
| 2023
| 22,504,461 || 8,278,905 || 30,783,366 || {{increase}} 17%
|-
|2024
|24,091,510
|11,036,457
|35,127,967
|{{increase}} 14.1%
|-
|2025
|24,198,353
|11,953,262
|36,151,615
|{{Increase}} 2.9%
|}

===Domestic===
{| class="wikitable sortable" width= align=
|+ Busiest domestic passenger routes for Melbourne Airport (year ending 30 June 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2025 |title=Domestic Aviation Activity 2024-25 |url=https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Domestic-Aviation-Activity-2024-25.pdf |website=[[Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics]]}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Rank|| Airport || Passengers handled|| change
YoY
|-
| 1 || [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]] || 8,055,800 || {{increase}} 1.7%
|-
| 2 || [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]] || 3,553,000 || {{increase}} 4.8%
|-
| 3 || [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]] || 2,323,700 || {{Decrease}} -0.4%
|-
| 4 || [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]] || 2,106,000 || {{Decrease}} -5.8%
|-
| 5 || [[Perth Airport|Perth]] || 2,066,200 || {{increase}} 4.5%
|-
| 6 || [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]] || 1,423,300 || {{increase}} 6.4%
|-
| 7 || [[Canberra Airport|Canberra]] || 984,700 || {{Decrease}} -3.5%
|-
| 8 || [[Launceston Airport|Launceston]] || 870,300 || {{increase}} 2.0%
|-
| 9 || [[Cairns Airport|Cairns]] || 856,000 || {{increase}} 4.2%
|-
| 10 || [[Sunshine Coast Airport|Sunshine Coast]] || 722,300 || {{Decrease}} -7.3%
|-
| 11 || [[Newcastle Airport, New South Wales|Newcastle]] || 466,100 || {{increase}} 5.9%
|-
| 12 || [[Darwin International Airport|Darwin]] || 294,500 || {{Increase}} 3.5%
|-
| 13 || [[Mildura Airport|Mildura]] || 151,000 || {{Decrease}} 13.4%
|-
| 14 || [[Devonport Airport|Devonport]] || 135,00 || {{increase}} 11.7%
|-
|15
|[[Ayers Rock Airport|Ayers Rock]]
|116,200
|{{Increase}} N/A
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable sortable" width= align=
|+ Busiest international routes – Melbourne Airport (year ending 30 June 2025)<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=International Airline Activity— Monthly Publications |url=https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/international_airline_activity-monthly_publications |access-date=1 October 2025 |website=[[Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics]] |publisher=}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Rank|| Airport || Passengers 
!Airlines
|-
| 1 || {{Flag icon|Singapore}} [[Changi Airport|Singapore]] ||   1,781,991 
|[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]], [[Jetstar]], [[Qantas]], [[Scoot]], [[Singapore Airlines]], [[Turkish Airlines]]
|-
| 2 || {{Flag icon|Indonesia}} [[Ngurah Rai International Airport|Denpasar]]||   1,085,581   
|[[Batik Air Malaysia]], [[Garuda Indonesia]], [[Jetstar]], [[Qantas]], [[Virgin Australia]]
|-
| 3 || {{Flag icon|New Zealand}} [[Auckland International Airport|Auckland]]
|   1,063,349 
|[[Air New Zealand]], [[Jetstar]], [[Qantas]]
|-
| 4 || {{Flag icon|Hong Kong}} [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]
|   676,257   
|[[Cathay Pacific]], [[Qantas]]
|-
| 5 || {{Flag icon|United Arab Emirates}} [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]]
|   625,352  
|[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]
|-
| 6 || {{Flag icon|Malaysia}} [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]]
|   574,654   
|[[AirAsia X]], [[Batik Air Malaysia]], [[Malaysia Airlines]]
|-
| 7 || {{Flag icon|Thailand}} [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok]]
|   496,774   
|[[Jetstar]], [[Thai Airways International]]
|-
| 8 || {{Flag icon|Vietnam}} [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport|Ho Chi Minh City]]
|   436,652  
|[[Jetstar]], [[VietJet Air]], [[Vietnam Airlines]]
|-
| 9 || {{Flag icon|Qatar}} [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]
|   426,060  
|[[Qatar Airways]]
|-
| 10 || {{Flag icon|New Zealand}}[[Christchurch International Airport|Christchurch]]||   345,206   
|[[Air New Zealand]], [[Jetstar]], [[Qantas]]
|-
| 11 || {{Flag icon|China}}[[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]]||   324,554   
|[[China Southern Airlines]]
|-
| 12 || {{Flag icon|China}}
[[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai]]
|   322,194   
|[[China Eastern Airlines]], [[Juneyao Air]]
|-
| 13 || {{Flag icon|Fiji}} [[Nadi International Airport|Nadi]]
|   290,257   
|[[Fiji Airways]], [[Jetstar]], [[Virgin Australia]]
|-
| 14 || {{Flag icon|New Zealand}}[[Queenstown Airport|Queenstown]]||   263,344   
|[[Air New Zealand]], [[Jetstar]], [[Qantas]], [[Virgin Australia]]
|-
| 15 || {{Flag icon|United States}} [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]]
|   255,746   
|[[Qantas]], [[United Airlines]]
|}

===Cargo===
{| class="wikitable sortable" width= align=
|+ Busiest international freight routes into and out of Melbourne Airport (year ending 31 December 2021)<ref name="btreinternational">{{cite web |date=2020 |title=Australian International Airline Activity 2019 |url=https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/international_airline_activity_cy2019.pdf |access-date=2022-07-05 |work=Aviation Statistics |publisher=Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics |page=10 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303120652/https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/international_airline_activity_cy2019.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Rank|| Airport || Freight tonnes handled || % change
|-
| 1 || [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]] || 69,873 || {{fluc|+57.8}}%
|-
| 2 || [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]] || 29,662 || {{fluc|+8.4}}%
|-
| 3 || [[Doha International Airport|Doha]] || 28,261 || {{fluc|+24.4}}%
|-
| 4 || [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]] || 20,993 || {{fluc|+5.5}}%
|-
| 5 || [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]] || 11,500 ||{{fluc|-5.6}}%
|-
| 6 || [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] || 11,405 || {{fluc|-33.9}}%
|-
| 7 || [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] || 8,530 || {{fluc|-17.5}}%
|-
| 8 || [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai]] || 7,939 || {{fluc|-26.4}}%
|-
| 9 || [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]] || 7,759 || {{fluc|-11.5}}%
|-
| 10 || [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] || 7,594 || {{fluc|+81.9}}%
|}

==Accidents and incidents==
* On 29 May 2003, [[Qantas Flight 1737]] from Melbourne to [[Launceston Airport]] was subjected to an attempted hijacking shortly after takeoff. The hijacker, a passenger named David Robinson, intended to fly the aircraft into the [[Walls of Jerusalem National Park]], located in central [[Tasmania]]. The flight attendants and passengers successfully subdued and restrained the hijacker, and the aircraft returned to Melbourne.<ref>{{cite news
| title = Two stabbed in attempted hijack over Melbourne
| work = The Sydney Morning Herald
| date = 29 May 2003
| url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/29/1054177663122.html
| access-date = 1 October 2008
| archive-date = 13 April 2017
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170413045932/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/29/1054177663122.html
| url-status = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| title = Qantas hijacker found not guilty
| work = The Age
| date = 14 July 2004
| url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/14/1089694406844.html?from=storylhs
| access-date = 22 November 2008
| location = Melbourne, Australia
| archive-date = 2 November 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121102204247/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/14/1089694406844.html?from=storylhs
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
* On 20 March 2009, [[Emirates Flight 407]], an [[Airbus A340|Airbus A340-500]], was taking off from Melbourne Airport on Runway 16 for a flight to [[Dubai International Airport]] and failed to become airborne in the normal distance. When the aircraft was nearing the end of the runway, the crew commanded nose-up sharply, causing its tail to scrape along the runway as it became airborne, during which smoke was observed in the cabin. The crew dumped fuel over Port Phillip Bay and successfully returned to Melbourne. The damage caused to the airport was considered substantial, with a damaged strobe light at the end of the runway as well as an antenna on the localiser, which led to the ILS being out of service for some time causing some disruptions to the airport's operation.<ref>{{cite press release|title=AO-2009-012: Tail strike, Airbus Industrie, A340-541, A6-ERG, Melbourne Airport, Vic, 20&nbsp;March 2009 |work=[[Australian Transport Safety Bureau]]|date=20 March 2009 |url=http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2009/AAIR/aair200901310.aspx |access-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427180250/http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2009/AAIR/aair200901310.aspx |archive-date=27 April 2009 }}</ref>
* On 11 October 2022, a security breach occurred at the airport, with a Qantas spokesperson saying that "A passenger appears to have inadvertently passed from an unscreened area to a screened area of the airport in Melbourne". [[Australian Federal Police]] shut down a section of the airport, and ordered all passengers in the terminal be rescreened, including those already on planes waiting to take off.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-10 |title=Skipped security sends Melbourne Airport passengers back through screening |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-11/melbourne-airport-delays-passengers-rescreened-qantas-virgin/101521224 |access-date=2022-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=2022-10-10 |title=Melbourne airport terminal partly shut down and flights delayed after 'inadvertent' security breach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/11/melbourne-airport-security-breach-delays-flights-delayed-passengers-rescreened |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Security breach sparks chaos at Melbourne Airport |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-airport-security-breach-leads-to-chaos-flights-delayed-passengers-re-screened/a2ff97b7-bcdf-4918-ac8a-2224eab87c2c |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref>
*In December 2023, it was confirmed that two planes had near misses at Melbourne Airport back in September the same year. There was construction work on one of the runways, leading to closure of a section of runway. In one case, a [[Malaysia Airlines]] [[Airbus A330-300]] took off about two hundred metres before construction workers and equipment. In the other case, a [[Bamboo Airways]] [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner|Boeing 787-9]] took off narrowly missing (by 3 metres) construction workers and equipment.<ref>{{cite web | title=Runway excursions on take-off involving Airbus A330-323, 9M-MTL and Boeing 787-9, VN-A819, at Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 7 and 18 September 2023 | website=Australian Transport Safety Bureau | date=2023-09-18 | url=https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2024/report/ao-2023-043 | access-date=2025-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMHEl3KoCrs|title=Two passenger jets metres from disaster in near misses at Melbourne Airport &#124; 7 News Australia|date=30 November 2023 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

==Awards and accolades==
Melbourne Airport has received numerous awards. The [[International Air Transport Association]] ranked Melbourne among the top five airports in the world in 1997 and 1998.<ref name="iatatop5">{{cite press release|title=Melbourne Airport Voted in Top 5 World Airports |work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases |date=20 April 1998 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=123 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724020100/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=123 |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref><ref name="awards">{{cite web
 |title=Melbourne Airport – Awards 
 |publisher=Melbourne Airport 
 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/awards.asp 
 |access-date=30 June 2008 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413134921/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/awards.asp 
 |archive-date=13 April 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
}}</ref> In 2003, Melbourne received the IATA's Eagle Award for service and two National Tourism Awards for tourism services.<ref name="eaglepressrelease">{{cite press release|title=Melbourne's Airport – A World Class Operator|date=3 June 2003|url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=159|access-date=30 June 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724021127/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=159|archive-date=24 July 2008|work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases}}</ref><ref name="tourism1" /><ref name="tourism2" />

The airport has received recognition in other areas. It has won national and state tourism awards,<ref name="tourism1">{{cite press release|title=Melbourne Airport Wins Australian Tourism Award |work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases |date=16 October 1998 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=56 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724012718/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=56 |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref><ref name="tourism2">{{cite press release|title=Second Major Australian Tourism Award for Melbourne Airport |work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases |date=1 December 2000 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=75 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724030618/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=75 |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref> and [[Singapore Airlines]] presented the airport with the Service Partner Award and Premier Business Partner Award in 2002 and 2004, respectively.<ref name="awards"/><ref>{{cite press release|title=Melbourne Airport awarded by Singapore Airlines |work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases |date=25 June 2004 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=210 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724021938/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=210 |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref> In 2006, the airport won the [[Australian Construction Achievement Award]] for the runway widening project, dubbed "the most outstanding example of construction excellence for 2006".<ref>{{cite press release|title=Runway widening project wins major Aust. construction award |work=Melbourne Airport Media Releases |date=20 June 2006 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=328 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724020305/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=328 |archive-date=24 July 2008 }}</ref> In 2012, [[Parkroyal]] Melbourne Airport was awarded for the best airport hotel in Australia/the Pacific by [[Skytrax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2012/hotel_auspac.htm |title=PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport is voted the Best Airport Hotel in Australia/Pacific region by customers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114032202/http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/hotel_auspac.htm |archive-date=14 November 2012 }}</ref> According to Skytrax World's Top 100 Airports List, Melbourne Airport improved from being ranked 43rd in 2012 to 27th in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2012/top60airports.htm |title=The World's Top Airports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122235511/http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2012/top60airports.htm |archive-date=22 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/world_airport_rating.html |title=World's Top 100 Airports 2018 |date=28 February 2018 |access-date=12 April 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108204602/http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards/world_airport_rating.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Ground transport==

===Road===
[[File:Tullamarine fwy.jpg|thumb|[[Tullamarine Freeway]] at the [[Calder Freeway]] interchange]]
Melbourne Airport is {{convert|23|km|abbr=on}} from the [[Melbourne central business district|city centre]] and is accessible via the [[Tullamarine Freeway]]. One freeway offramp runs directly into the airport grounds, and a second to the south serves freight transport, taxis, buses and airport staff.<ref name="offramp">{{cite press release |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=311 |title=Second Airport entry road opens |publisher=Melbourne Airport |access-date=27 September 2008  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722001959/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/media_releases_item.asp?id=311 |archive-date=22 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In June 2015, the [[Airport Drive, Melbourne|Airport Drive]] extension was completed, creating a second major link to the airport. The link starts at the [[M80 Ring Road]] and provides direct access to Melrose Drive 1.5 kilometres from the terminal area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Airport Drive Extension & Steele Creek North Project |publisher=Melbourne Airport |url=http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/current-projects/airport-drive-extension-steele-creek-north.html |access-date=20 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806000818/http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/current-projects/airport-drive-extension-steele-creek-north.html |archive-date=6 August 2015  }}</ref> As of late 2018 the Tullamarine Freeway was widened.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://citylinktullawidening.vic.gov.au|title=CityLink Tulla Widening|website=Victorian Government|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=13 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113150143/http://citylinktullawidening.vic.gov.au/|url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-2023, a new exit was constructed specifically for Terminal 4, omitting the other exits in favour of an elevated off-ramp.

Melbourne Airport has five car parks, all of which operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The short-term, multi-level long-term, business and express carparks are covered, while the long-term parking is not.<ref>{{cite web
 |title=Melbourne Airport – Parking 
 |publisher=Melbourne Airport 
 |url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/to_from_airport/parking/ 
 |access-date=30 June 2008 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512054552/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/to_from_airport/parking/ 
 |archive-date=12 May 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
}}</ref> The main multi-level carpark in front of the terminal was built in the late 1990s, replacing the pre-existing ground-level car parking,<ref name="report1999" /> progressively expanded ever since.

Melbourne Airport recorded more than 2.2 million taxi movements in the year to 30 June 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Corporate/News/UberX-at-Melbourne-Airport|title=UberX at Melbourne Airport|date=15 August 2017|website=Melbourne Airport|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=13 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113150144/https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Corporate/News/UberX-at-Melbourne-Airport|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Public transport===
====Bus and shuttle services====
[[File:Skybus number 65 (5177AO) Scania in Wurundjeri Way, 2013.JPG|thumb|A [[SkyBus (airport bus)|SkyBus]] travelling to Melbourne Airport]]

The [[SkyBus (airport bus)|SkyBus]] operates express bus services from the airport to [[Southern Cross railway station]] (on the western boundary of the [[Melbourne central business district]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-city-express/|title=Melbourne City Express|website=[[SkyBus (airport bus)|Skybus]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810143325/https://www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-city-express/|archive-date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> and [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/st-kilda-express/|title=St Kilda Express|website=[[SkyBus (airport bus)|Skybus]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810143633/https://www.skybus.com.au/st-kilda-express/|archive-date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> Shuttle services also operate between the airport and the [[Mornington Peninsula]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/fapas/|title=Frankston & Peninsula Airport Shuttle|website=[[SkyBus (airport bus)|Skybus]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709171718/https://www.skybus.com.au/fapas/|archive-date=9 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> making stops in St Kilda, [[Elsternwick]], [[Brighton, Victoria|Brighton]] and [[Frankston, Victoria|Frankston]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/fapas/locations/|title=Locations – Frankston and Peninsula Airport Shuttle|website=[[SkyBus (airport bus)|Skybus]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810142803/https://www.skybus.com.au/fapas/locations/|archive-date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> SkyBus current transports around 3.4 million passengers between the airport and Melbourne's CBD.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/about-skybus/|title=About SkyBus|website=SkyBus|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713224932/https://www.skybus.com.au/about-skybus/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Buses in Melbourne|Metropolitan]] and regional public buses also operate to or via the airport. Routes 478, 479 & 482 operate to [[Airport West]], via the [[Melbourne tram route 59|route 59]] [[tram]] terminus. Route 479 also operates to [[Sunbury railway station, Melbourne|Sunbury railway station]], connecting with [[Sunbury railway line|Sunbury]] and [[Deniliquin railway line|Bendigo]] line trains. [[Melbourne bus route 901|Route 901]] was introduced in September 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/web23/Home.nsf/AllDocs/AB31264D6742EB4BCA2576D600119D1B?OpenDocument |title=SmartBus Route 901 |work=The Victorian Transport Plan |publisher=transport.vic.gov.au |access-date=10 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226192940/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/web23/Home.nsf/AllDocs/AB31264D6742EB4BCA2576D600119D1B?OpenDocument |archive-date=26 February 2011 }}</ref> as a frequent bus service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrotrains.com.au/About-Us/News/New-SmartBus-direct-to-Melbourne-Airport.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922190050/http://www.metrotrains.com.au/About-us/News/New-SmartBus-direct-to-Melbourne-Airport.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 September 2010 |title=New SmartBus direct to Melbourne Airport |date=21 September 2010 |author=Metro Trains Melbourne |publisher=metrotrains.com.au |access-date=10 November 2010 }}</ref> Route 901 connects to trains at [[Broadmeadows railway station, Melbourne|Broadmeadows]] ([[Craigieburn railway line|Craigieburn]], [[Seymour V/Line rail service|Seymour]], [[Tocumwal railway line, Victoria|Shepparton]] and [[North East railway line|Albury]] lines), [[Epping railway station, Melbourne|Epping]] ([[Mernda railway line|Mernda line]]), [[Greensborough railway station|Greensborough]] ([[Hurstbridge railway line|Hurstbridge line]]) and [[Blackburn railway station, Melbourne|Blackburn]] ([[Belgrave railway line|Belgrave]] and [[Lilydale railway line|Lilydale]] lines).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/airport-buses/|title=Airport buses|website=[[Public Transport Victoria]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705135048/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/airport-buses/|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> [[V/Line]] operates timetabled regional coach services to [[Barham, New South Wales|Barham]] and [[Deniliquin]] which stop at the airport.

There are nine other bus companies serving the airport, with services to [[Ballarat]], [[Bendigo]], [[Dandenong]], [[Frankston, Victoria|Frankston]], [[Mornington Peninsula]], [[Geelong]], Melbourne's suburbs, [[Shepparton]] and the [[Riverina]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/to_from_airport/bus_services.asp |title=Other Bus Services – To and From the Airport |publisher=Melbourne Airport |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204042602/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/to_from_airport/bus_services.asp |archive-date=4 February 2009 }}</ref> which provide alternatives to transfer onto other V/Line services.

====Future rail connection====
{{main|Melbourne Airport rail link}}
[[File:Melbourne Airport Rail link map.png|alt=Map of Melbourne Airport Rail link showing the route and current public transport in Melbourne's north-west.|thumb|Map of the planned [[Melbourne Airport rail link|Melbourne Airport Rail]] route, which commenced early construction in 2022 and is set to open from 2033. The link will run through the Melbourne CBD via the under-construction [[Metro Tunnel]].]]

Melbourne Airport does not have a passenger rail connection to and from the city. Constructing a rail link has been discussed in Victorian politics before and since Melbourne Airport opened in 1970.

In 2022, the [[Daniel Andrews|Andrews state government]] commenced early construction on Melbourne Airport Rail (SRL Airport), which was first expected to be complete by 2029.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andrews |first1=Daniel |title=SRL Airport Takes Flight As Works Begin |url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/srl-airport-takes-flight-works-begin |website=Premier of Victoria |access-date=30 October 2022}}</ref> However in 2023-24, due to a lack of agreement in negotiations between the state government and the airport operator over the design of the [[Melbourne Airport railway station|Airport station]], major construction has been delayed, with completion now expected by 2033.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jake |date=7 May 2024|title=Victorian Government Confirms Four-Year Delay for Airport Rail |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/victorian-government-confirms-four-year-delay-for-airport-rail/ |access-date=8 May 2024|website=Australian Aviation |language=en}}</ref> The 27&nbsp;km link will run via [[Sunshine railway station, Melbourne|Sunshine station]] in Melbourne's west into the central city via the under-construction [[Metro Tunnel]]. The link will connect to western [[V/Line|regional rail]] services at Sunshine and to other services on the [[Railways in Melbourne|Metropolitan rail network]] at [[Sunshine railway station|Sunshine]], [[Footscray railway station|Footscray]], [[State Library railway station|State Library]] and [[Town Hall railway station, Melbourne|Town Hall]] in the CBD, and [[Caulfield railway station|Caulfield]]. The link will be the first direct rail connection to the Airport.

The business case was released in 2022 and was revealed that the [[Melbourne Airport railway station|Airport station]] would be elevated at a height of around 6 storeys, minimising construction costs and time.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2022-09-21 |title=Plans released for Keilor East train station and above-ground Melbourne Airport station |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-21/melbourne-airport-above-ground-train-station-business-case/101460384 |access-date=2023-02-08}}</ref> The airport operator, [[Australia Pacific Airports Corporation]] (APAC), has initially objected to the elevated station, arguing for it to be built underground in order to safeguard future terminal expansion and improve connectivity to the proposed [[Suburban Rail Loop]].<ref name=":1" /> In July 2024, Melbourne Airport agreed to the state government’s preference for an elevated airport station, allowing detailed planning works to resume.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Eddie |first1= Rachel |last2= Rooney |first2= Kieran |date= 8 July 2024 |title= Melbourne Airport agrees to have overground train station, clearing path for rail link |url= https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-agrees-to-have-overground-train-station-clearing-path-for-rail-link-20240707-p5jrno.html |work= The Age |access-date= 9 July 2024 |archive-date= 9 July 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240709232854/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-agrees-to-have-overground-train-station-clearing-path-for-rail-link-20240707-p5jrno.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[City of Keilor]] – the former local government area of which Melbourne Airport was a part
* [[List of airports in Victoria (Australia)|List of airports in Victoria]]
* [[Transport in Australia]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikivoyage}}
*{{official website|melbourneairport.com.au}}
* {{ASN|MEL}}

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[[Category:Airports in Victoria (state)]]
[[Category:Melbourne Airport| ]]
[[Category:1970 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1970]]
[[Category:Transport in Melbourne]]
[[Category:Landmarks in Melbourne]]
[[Category:International airports in Australia]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in the City of Hume]]