Overview
We're planning for the future of international travel at Melbourne Airport!
With international travel at record highs, we’re investing $4.5 billion to expand our international terminal, delivering more space, more choice and a better experience for passengers and airlines.
In January alone, more than 1.26 million international passengers travelled through Melbourne Airport, making it the busiest month on record. As Melbourne continues to grow as a global city, so too does demand for international travel.
To meet this demand, we’ve worked closely with our airline partners to finalise plans for a major international terminal expansion that will increase capacity and improve the experience for everyone travelling through our airport.
Take a look at what the Terminal 2 International Expansion will look like when it opens in coming years.
Here's what you can expect
The plans incorporate several projects, including an expansion of both international check-in and baggage claim halls to better accommodate the increasing number of passengers flying in and out of Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway.
Five new gates will be added to the existing international pier, giving airlines more flexibility to schedule flights to more destinations at the times people want to fly.
State-of-the-art baggage system
We’re in the final stages of a $500 million upgrade to our baggage handling system. This state-of-the-art tote-based system will enable anytime check-in and early bag storage, streamlining the travel experience.
Increased Capacity
We’re expanding key areas of the international terminal to create more space where it matters most, including:
- A larger check-in hall with high-tech, common-user systems
- Expanded baggage claim with additional carousels
- Five new aircraft stands to accommodate more flights
These upgrades will give airlines greater flexibility to schedule flights to more destinations, at times that suit passengers.
Larger check-in hall
Expanded baggage claim
New aircraft stands
Enhanced passenger experience
We’re creating a more comfortable and enjoyable airport experience with:
- More space in departures and arrivals
- Expanded lounge facilities
- More retail and dining options
- Improved waiting areas for passengers and those greeting arriving travellers
More space in departures
More space in arrivals
Enhanced Connectivity
Our new elevated road network and new Pick Up and Drop Off zones at the T123 Transport Hub, opening from September 2026 will improve access to the terminal and enable the expansion into the existing forecourt, creating more space for future growth.
Level 3 drop off: The new Drop Off zone on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub.
Forecourt view :The new pedestrian bridge linking passengers to the terminals
Inside the pedestrian bridge: Visuals of what it will look like inside the new 19 metre wide pedestrian bridge linking passengers to the terminals.
Looking Ahead
As we’re building within a live, 24-hour operating airport, the expansion will be delivered in stages over several years.
Preliminary works will begin following the opening of the new T123 Pick Up and Drop Off zones in Spring 2026, with passengers expected to start seeing the benefits within the next three to five years.
This expansion will also complement Melbourne Airport’s planned third runway, helping airlines schedule more flights to more destinations and giving travellers greater choice.
Explore More
View our media release and learn more about the plans for our international terminal expansion here.
International Terminal Expansion FAQs
- Why is Melbourne Airport expanding the international terminal?
Melbourne is growing rapidly, and so is demand for international travel. In January alone, more than 1.26 million passengers travelled through our international terminal, the busiest month on record.
As Australia’s largest 24-hour international gateway, we’re investing $4.5 billion to ensure we have the infrastructure to support this growth. The expansion will provide more space, improved facilities, and greater flexibility for airlines to operate more flights to more destinations.
- What upgrades are included in the expansion?
The expansion will deliver a range of improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience, including:
- A larger international check-in hall with upgraded baggage technology
- Expanded baggage claim areas with additional carousels
- Five new aircraft stands (capable of handling widebody and narrowbody aircraft)
- More retail, dining and lounge options
- Improved waiting areas for passengers and those meeting arriving travellers
These upgrades will create more space, comfort and choice throughout the terminal.
- When will the upgrades be completed?
The expansion will be delivered in stages due to the complexity of building within a live, 24-hour operating airport.
Preliminary works will begin following the opening of new Pick-up and Drop-off zones in September 2026. Passengers can expect to start seeing some of the benefits within the next three to five years, with further improvements rolled out over time.
- How will this benefit travellers?
For travellers, the expansion means:
- More space at check-in, in the departures area and at baggage claim
- Improved comfort and reduced congestion
- More choice in shopping, dining and lounge experiences
- A smoother overall airport journey
These upgrades are designed to make travelling through Melbourne Airport more efficient and enjoyable.
- What does this mean for Victoria?
International aviation plays a vital role in Victoria’s economy. On average, a single daily international service contributes more than $190 million each year through tourism, trade and job creation.
By expanding the international terminal, we’re strengthening Victoria’s global connections and supporting long-term economic growth.
- What is being done to improve the arrivals experience?
We know the international arrivals experience can be a pain point, particularly during peak periods.
While we’re expanding physical space in areas like baggage claim and customs processing, we’re also working closely with the Federal Government to improve border processing technology and facilities.
This includes advocating for more resources and smarter technology to help passengers move through immigration and customs more quickly, while maintaining strong border security.
- Will construction impact passengers?
As with any major infrastructure project, there will be some impacts during construction.
We’re working to minimise disruption as much as possible, but passengers may experience changes to traffic flow and travel times, particularly as we deliver our new elevated road network and expanded Pick-up and Drop-off areas.
We appreciate everyone’s patience while we build for the future.
- How does this connect with other airport upgrades?
The international terminal expansion is part of a broader transformation of Melbourne Airport.
It complements other major projects, including:
- A new elevated road network and transport hub
- Expanded Pick-up and Drop-off zones
- The planned third runway (expected to open in 2031)
Together, these projects will increase capacity, improve efficiency, and support future growth.
- What about airport rail?
We’ve been having positive discussions with the State and Federal Governments about delivering airport rail.
While timing and funding decisions sit with government, we strongly support the project and look forward to the additional transport choice it will provide for passengers and staff. You can track the progress on Victoria's Big Build website.