The Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), serves as Victoria’s primary international gateway and one of Australia’s busiest aviation hubs. Located approximately 23 kilometers northwest of Melbourne’s central business district in the suburb of Tullamarine, this bustling airport connects Victoria to destinations across Australia and the world.
MEL History
Melbourne’s aviation journey began far from Tullamarine. The city’s first international airport was Essendon Airport, which opened in the 1920s. However, by the late 1950s, it became evident that Essendon could not accommodate the growing air traffic and larger aircraft entering service.
In 1959, the Commonwealth Government acquired 5,300 hectares of land at Tullamarine for a new international airport. Construction began in 1964, and on July 1, 1970, Melbourne Airport officially opened with a then-impressive price tag of $45 million. Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the international terminal (T2) in 1970.
Unlike many major airports worldwide, Melbourne Airport has maintained its curfew-free status since its inception, allowing for 24-hour operations—a significant competitive advantage over Sydney Airport, which operates under night-time flight restrictions.
The airport was initially operated by the Federal Airports Corporation but was privatized in 1997 when Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC) secured a 50-year lease with an option for another 49 years. Since privatization, the airport has undergone substantial expansion and modernization.
MEL Quick Facts & Statistics
- Annual Passenger Traffic: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne Airport handled approximately 37 million passengers annually, making it Australia’s second-busiest airport after Sydney
- Aircraft Movements: The airport accommodates around 240,000 aircraft movements per year
- Economic Impact: Contributes over $7 billion to the Victorian economy annually
- Employment Hub: Provides jobs for more than 20,000 people directly, with thousands more in related industries
- Land Area: Spans approximately 2,663 hectares, making it one of the largest Australian airports by land size
- Runways: Features two main runways—the north-south runway (16/34) at 3,657 meters and the east-west runway (09/27) at 2,286 meters
- Operating Hours: One of few major capital city airports in the world operating 24/7 without a curfew
- Terminal Design: Unique among Australian airports for its single integrated terminal precinct rather than separate domestic and international terminals spread across the airport
- Cargo Handling: Processes over 250,000 tonnes of international air freight annually
Terminal Facilities
Melbourne Airport operates four terminals within one integrated complex:
Terminal 1 (T1) serves as the exclusive domain of Qantas and QantasLink for domestic services. The terminal features dedicated Qantas Club and Business lounges, self-check-in kiosks, a variety of retail shops, and food outlets. Recent renovations have modernized the terminal with improved seating areas and charging stations.
Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international flights and underwent a significant expansion in 2019. The terminal houses Australia’s border services, duty-free shopping, premium airline lounges including the Qantas First Lounge, Air New Zealand Lounge, and Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge. A standout feature is the luxury retail precinct featuring high-end brands like Burberry, Tiffany & Co, and Salvatore Ferragamo.
Terminal 3 (T3) primarily serves Virgin Australia domestic operations but also accommodates some regional carriers. Following Virgin Australia’s relaunch as a mid-market carrier, the terminal has been refreshed with new check-in technology and an expanded Virgin Australia lounge.
Terminal 4 (T4) opened in 2015 as Australia’s first self-service terminal, primarily serving low-cost carriers including Jetstar, Tigerair (before its closure), and Regional Express (REX). The terminal connects to the T4 Ground Transport Hub and multi-level car park.
Beyond the basic travel necessities, Melbourne Airport offers:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals
- Prayer rooms and multi-faith facilities
- Parents’ rooms and children’s play areas
- Medical center and pharmacy
- Various dining options ranging from fast food to premium restaurants
- Foreign exchange services
- Luggage storage and wrapping services
- Premium airport lounges, including pay-per-use options like the Marhaba Lounge
Airlines and Destinations
Melbourne Airport serves as a hub for:
- Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar Airways
- Virgin Australia
- Rex Airlines
The airport offers direct connections to major global hubs including Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and London, with the Melbourne-Singapore route being one of the busiest international routes.
Domestically, the airport serves as a crucial link in Australia’s aviation network, with frequent services to Sydney (one of the world’s busiest air routes), Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and regional Victorian centers.
Ground Transportation
Melbourne Airport offers diverse ground transport options connecting travelers to the city and beyond:
SkyBus: The primary public transport link, operating express coach services between the airport and various destinations including Melbourne’s CBD (running 24/7), St Kilda, Southbank, Docklands, and the Mornington Peninsula. The Melbourne City Express typically completes the journey in 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Rideshare and Taxis: Dedicated pickup zones serve passengers using Uber, Didi, and other rideshare services. The taxi rank operates 24/7 with typical CBD fares ranging from AUD $55-75.
Car Rental: All major rental companies operate at Melbourne Airport, with counters located at the ground level of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park.
Parking Options: The airport offers various parking solutions including:
- Value Long Term parking with shuttle connections
- Multi-level car parks adjacent to the terminals
- Premium valet services
- Terminal T4 Ground Transport Hub for pickup/dropoff
Public Buses: Several public bus routes connect the airport to surrounding suburbs, providing economical options for airport staff and locals.
Notably absent is a rail link to the city—a significant infrastructure gap compared to many international airports of similar size.
The Future of Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport’s long-term masterplan outlines ambitious development goals to accommodate projected growth:
Third Runway Project: The most significant planned expansion is the construction of a third runway. The project, oriented in a north-south direction and running parallel to the existing north-south runway, received federal approval in 2024. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with completion targeted for 2028-2029. This addition will increase capacity from 55 aircraft movements per hour to approximately 90, significantly reducing delays during peak periods.
Terminal Expansions: Plans include further expansion of Terminal 2 (international) to accommodate growing passenger numbers and new-generation aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
Melbourne Airport Rail Link: After decades of discussion, the Victorian and Federal governments have committed to constructing a dedicated rail link between the airport and Melbourne’s CBD. Construction began in 2023 with completion expected by 2029. The rail link will connect to the suburban network at Sunshine Station and provide a 30-minute journey to the city center.
Sustainable Development: The airport’s future plans emphasize sustainability, with commitments to achieve carbon neutrality for ground operations by 2029 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Initiatives include solar power generation, electric ground service equipment, and sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure.
Business Park Expansion: The Melbourne Airport Business Park continues to grow, with new logistics, freight, and commercial developments enhancing the airport’s status as an economic hub.
As Victoria’s premier gateway, Melbourne Airport continues to evolve, balancing operational efficiency with passenger experience while preparing for future growth in air travel demand across both domestic and international markets.
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