Melbourne Airport will soon seek community feedback as part of development of a draft Noise Sharing Plan, which will guide how runways are used as a way to manage and share aircraft noise across communities when the third runway begins operation in 2031.

The Noise Sharing and Airspace Concept Plan (Noise Sharing Plan) is a key condition of the Federal Government’s approval of Melbourne Airport’s new north-south runway and will help inform how aircraft operations are managed, with the goal of providing communities with periods of respite from aircraft noise.

The plan will explore different “operating modes” – variations in runway use – to share aircraft noise, outside of peak periods and when weather conditions allow. These modes will include use of the existing east-west runway, as well as both north-south runways.

Independent consultants Trax Asia Pacific and GHD are leading the development of the draft Noise Sharing Plan and the engagement process.

Melbourne Airport Third Runway Executive Director Peter Lellyett said that community feedback will play a central role in shaping the draft Noise Sharing Plan.

“Melbourne Airport is a key driver of Victoria’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and facilitating trade, tourism and business. The third runway will help us meet future demand, and we’re committed to ensuring this growth is managed responsibly,” he said.

“We know that aircraft noise can impact quality of life, and this plan is about managing that impact thoughtfully. While it’s not about equal distribution of flights, it is about managing aircraft noise in a way that provides periods of respite to support community wellbeing.”

Stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback on how runways are used during off-peak periods. This includes input from communities already affected by aircraft noise as well as areas that might notice a change in flight path use.

Information, including fact sheets and the community engagement plan, is available online for interested stakeholders to learn about the draft Noise Sharing Plan, ahead of engagement commencing in October 2025. Engagement will include opportunities for both online and face-to-face participation. Community members will be able to review the draft Noise Sharing Plan in mid to late 2026 before it is refined and submitted to the Federal Government for approval in early 2027.

To learn more about the Noise Sharing Plan and the third runway, visit Melbourne Airport’s Major Projects Hub: www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au.