Excavations and Penetrations application process

Melbourne Airport has introduced a new process for excavation and penetration permit applications, replacing the previous excavation permit and penetration permit processes with a single, streamlined workflow.

This process applies across the airport precinct. All excavation and penetration activities must be approved prior to works commencing.

At Melbourne Airport, there are extensive underground and embedded services - including high and low voltage electrical, aeronautical ground lighting (AGL), fuel, communications, water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Uncontrolled excavation or penetration presents a significant safety and operational risk. ‘

Note: Airfield works must also comply with the Airside Works Safety where applicable.

The new online form simplifies the application process and improves compliance through:

• Structured data capture for works scope and risk controls
• Integrated document submission (e.g. PERCOW, drawings, service locating)
• Clearer approval pathways across engineering disciplines
• Improved tracking and visibility of permit status

This process replaces previous penetration permit and excavation-related submission methods, consolidating them into a single, standardised workflow.

Important:

• No excavation or penetration works are to commence without an approved permit.
• Applications must be submitted with a minimum of three (3) business days’ notice for penetrations and five (5) business days’ notice for excavations. 
• Permit approval is based on safety, operational impact, and risk to airport infrastructure and services.

You must apply for a permit if your works involve:

• Any mechanical excavation (Airside)
• Excavation greater than 100mm depth (Landside)
• Any penetration within buildings, terminals, or structures

Excavation and penetration activities include (but are not limited to):

• Boring
• Cutting
• Digging
• Drilling
• Piling
• Post holing
• Slotting
• Trenching

Before submitting your application, you must ensure:

• You have approval to occupy the site
• A valid Permit to Commence Work (PERCOW) is in place
• You have engaged with your Melbourne Airport Business Partner

Failure to meet these prerequisites will delay or prevent approval.

Applications must include sufficient detail to allow assessment of safety, risk, and operational impact. This includes key documentation such as PERCOW, insurances, service locating information, drawings, and a clear scope of works.

Where excavation exceeds defined thresholds, an independent underground service survey is required. For works involving aeronautical ground lighting, service locating must be undertaken with systems energised and coordinated with the relevant team.

Traffic management, methodology, and work scheduling must also be clearly defined to support safe delivery.

Excavation and penetration works must be carefully planned and controlled. Open trenches must not be left unattended, and all underground services must be identified prior to works commencing.

Additional controls apply when working near critical infrastructure. Excavation within 1 metre of High Voltage or AGL assets must use non-destructive digging methods and be undertaken with Melbourne Airport oversight. Works near underground tunnels or sensitive structures may require additional controls and approvals.

These requirements are critical to protecting infrastructure, maintaining safe operations, and preventing service disruption.

This permit forms part of a broader permit framework and does not replace other required approvals. Depending on the scope of works, additional permits may be required for electrical isolation, cabling, hydraulic or restricted area access.

All relevant permits must be obtained prior to commencing works to ensure full compliance.

If you experience issues with the application system or need clarification on submission requirements, use the guidance below:

• Refer to the User Guide for step-by-step instructions.

For questions related to permit requirements or technical details:

• Contact the Approvals team for Terminal or Airside matters.
• Contact the Access & Permit team for general enquiries.