Melbourne Airport is always moving—travellers flying in and out, team members on the ground, providers and locals working behind the scenes to keep things running. But what’s coming next goes beyond the day-to-day.

Over the next decade, major upgrades will reshape how the airport looks, how people move through it, and how Victoria stays connected. This growth isn’t just about runways and terminals. It’s about building better access, creating more jobs, and opening up new ways for people to work closer to home.

The next stage of development at Melbourne Airport is already underway. From major works on the runway to upgrades across terminals and transport links, each project is shaping how the precinct will operate in the years ahead.

A Third Runway to Keep Things Moving

A new runway is on the way, and it’s one of the biggest changes happening at Melbourne Airport. Set to open by 2031, the north-south runway will help manage more flights, reduce delays, and keep things moving during busy travel periods. It’ll sit parallel to the existing runway and boost capacity as more people fly in and out of Victoria each year.

Once complete, the third runway is expected to support up to 76 million passengers a year and add billions to the state’s economy. It also means more jobs—tens of thousands over the coming years, both during construction and once it’s up and running.

Better Terminals for a Better Experience

As more people travel through Melbourne Airport, each terminal is being updated to make the experience smoother—whether you’re checking in, waiting to board, or arriving back in Melbourne.

• Terminal 1, home to Qantas domestic flights, is getting upgrades to its security screening. New body and baggage screening technology is being rolled out to help make the process quicker and more efficient. Retail areas near the gates are also being refreshed.
• In Terminal 2, where international flights arrive and depart, the arrivals hall has already had a major upgrade—and there’s more to come. For one, it’s getting a major boost with a new baggage system designed to streamline your journey. Work is also underway to upgrade amenities, with new restrooms and a more inclusive layout across the terminal.
• Terminal 3 is in the middle of an $81 million expansion. The baggage hall is being enlarged to include more carousel space and a dedicated area for oversized bags. Inside the terminal, changes are being made to improve the layout and passenger flow.
• Terminal 4 is also being updated. The check-in area is getting upgraded facilities, with more inclusive and accessible amenities planned for travellers flying out from this terminal.

Each of these projects is about making the journey easier on the ground. So no matter where you’re flying, the time you spend at the airport feels more comfortable and connected.

Easier Access by Road

Getting in and out of Melbourne Airport is also getting quicker, thanks to major upgrades across the road network. Naarm Way is already up and running. It connects the Tullamarine Freeway directly to Terminal 4, cutting out traffic lights and making pick-ups, drop-offs and car parking more direct.

Next is Stage 2—an elevated road to improve access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Once complete, it’ll ease congestion across the terminal precinct and help reduce travel times, especially during peak periods. These changes are designed to make the drive to Melbourne Airport simpler, whether you’re heading off, coming home or picking someone up.

Airport Rail Link on the Horizon

Soon, getting to Melbourne Airport won’t just be about driving. The Airport Rail Link is in the works, and once it’s complete, you’ll be able to take the train straight to the terminal.

Trains are expected to run every 10 minutes, with a travel time of around 30 minutes between the airport and the city. The line will connect through the Metro Tunnel, so it’ll be easier to reach the airport from across Melbourne and even from regional areas.

Early works are already underway, with more progress expected over the coming years. Whether you’re heading off, coming home or commuting to work at the airport, the rail link will give you another easy way to get here.

Powering the Future

Melbourne Airport is also investing in solar power to help power the precinct more sustainably. The first solar farm, located near the runway, is already generating enough electricity to run all four terminals. A second solar farm is now under construction next door. Once both are running, they’ll supply around 40% of the airport’s total energy needs.

Retailers and other businesses at the airport can also plug into this clean energy through the GreenPower Network, giving them the option to switch to a renewable source. These changes are part of our plan to reach net zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2025, and to keep building an airport that works better for the future.

Growth at Melbourne Airport doesn’t stop at the terminals. It flows into local businesses, training pathways and long-term jobs across Victoria. Big infrastructure means more than construction. It means:

• New suppliers coming onboard
• More transport and logistics work
• Extra demand for trades, cleaning, catering and equipment hire
• Partnerships with local councils and providers to keep things moving

Every project delivered in Tullamarine creates work that reaches far beyond the airport boundary, supporting jobs, skills development and business activity across the state. Community groups and stakeholders have played a key role in shaping this next chapter. And that includes planning around traffic, employment access, and long-term opportunities for locals.

With so much underway, new roles are opening up in real time. Whether you're based in Melbourne VIC or nearby suburbs like Broadmeadows, Gladstone Park or Sunbury, this growth is building more ways to work closer to home.

As the precinct grows, so do the opportunities. Tens of thousands of people already work at Melbourne Airport, and over the next decade, even more new jobs will open up across terminals, freight zones, car parking areas, and support services.

Whether you're after full-time or part-time work, an immediate start, or a longer-term career, there’s a wide range of jobs across airlines, providers, retailers, hospitality, freight and more. You’ll find work across different types of industries, including:

Aviation, freight and ground operations

Hands-on roles that keep flights and cargo moving, like:

• Baggage handlers
• Ramp agents
• Terminal support staff
• Freight and warehouse crew
• Aircraft turnaround teams (Some roles require an ASIC, especially those with airside access)

Guest services, retail and hospitality

Face-to-face roles that suit people who enjoy working with travellers:

• Customer service officer
• Duty free assistant
• Baristas and food staff
• Retail sales consultants
• Lounge attendants and hotel front desk teams

Transport, car parking and rentals

Practical, task-focused work around Tullamarine VIC:

• Car parking attendants
• Rental vehicle coordinators
• Ground transport operations
• Fleet cleaning and support

Office, admin and support services

Roles based across the airport and in the Business Park:

• Program coordinator
• Finance or payroll support
• Executive and team assistants
• Procurement and admin officers

Trades, technical and maintenance

Hands-on roles that help maintain airport infrastructure:

• Property maintenance
• Facilities technicians
• Cleaning and waste services
• Construction support

And more behind the scenes

From IT and HR to safety, compliance and government services, the precinct is also home to:

• IT support and systems roles
• HR advisors and recruiters
• Airport screening and safety teams
• Insurance and superannuation
• Public health, customs and emergency response support

Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, there are roles to match different backgrounds, schedules and goals.

Looking for an exciting opportunity at Melbourne Airport? There are two main ways to find work at Melbourne Airport, depending on who you want to work for.

• Working for Melbourne Airport: Roles with Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne)—the team that manages the airport itself—are listed on the Melbourne Airport Careers page. These jobs cover areas like operations, planning, admin and infrastructure. If there’s nothing open right now, you can also join the Talent Community to stay across future roles.
• Working at Melbourne Airport: Most jobs across the precinct are offered by other businesses based onsite. That includes airlines, ground handling providers like Dnata and Menzies Aviation, and companies in freight, retail, hotels and hospitality.

Many of these vacancies are listed on Melbourne Airport Joblink. You can filter your job search by industry, job type or provider, and set up a job alert to hear about new listings as they go live.

Whether you’re after your first job or your next one, you’ll find roles at different work experience levels and flexible schedules. Some Melbourne Airport jobs require specific skills or ASIC checks, but many offer on-the-job training and practical support to help you get started.

Melbourne Airport’s growth over the next decade isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about impact. It’s creating real opportunities for people across Tullamarine VIC and throughout Australia. From major projects to new roles, the work happening here supports careers, local businesses and better connections across the state.

If you’re looking to work closer to home or take your next step, this is the time to start exploring what’s out there. So, keep an eye on Melbourne Airport Joblink and the Melbourne Airport Careers page. The future is taking shape now. And there’s room for you in it.