Community input shaping Noise Sharing Plan for Melbourne Airport’s third runway

Feedback from communities and aviation industry stakeholders is helping shape the Noise Sharing Plan for Melbourne Airport’s third runway.

When operational in 2031, the third runway will change how aircraft noise is experienced across Melbourne.

The Noise Sharing Plan is a key condition of approval set by the Federal Government and aims to give communities breaks from continuous aircraft noise through careful management of flight paths and runway operations.

Between October and December 2025, independent consultants Trax and GHD undertook the first phase of community and stakeholder consultation on the Noise Sharing Plan. More than 570 online survey responses were received, with more than 500 people participating in 24 community sessions and webinars.

Melbourne Airport Executive General Manager, Major Capital Projects Scott Cooper said community feedback would help shape the final plan.

“Community members indicated preferences for breaks from aircraft noise at night and alternating runway use to provide regular days of respite, along with interest in learning how flight paths are designed to support noise sharing, he said.

“Aviation industry stakeholders showed support for emergency services continuing to receive priority airspace access and questioned how flight path changes might affect general aviation operator access to local airspace and day-to-day operations.

“The third runway is essential to ensure Melbourne Airport has the capacity it needs to serve Victoria’s growing population and the increased demand for both passenger and cargo services. By 2045, we expect more than 76 million passengers to pass through our terminals, which is more than twice the number today.

“The third runway will contribute almost $6 billion to the Victorian economy each year, while giving airlines more flexibility, reducing delays and supporting thousands of new jobs.”

The draft Plan will be made available later this year for review and further community feedback before it is submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government for approval.