Melbourne’s International Terminal Expansion now a step closer.

Planning and design of Melbourne Airport’s $4.5 billion international terminal expansion is progressing, following the successful opening of new Pick up and Drop off zones for Terminals 1,2 and 3 earlier this month.

New artist impressions have been released that highlight the additional space that will be created as the terminal footprint is expanded into the current forecourt area.

The designs will expand the check-in, arrivals and departure satellite areas and seek to maximise natural light to create a calming environment and enhance travellers’ sense of wellbeing.

The expansion will be delivered as a series of projects to ensure Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway continues to operate, with works occurring alongside construction of Melbourne Airport’s third runway.

The international terminal expansion is enabled by the closure of the 56-year-old Departures ramp and the opening of new Pick up and Drop off zones in the T123 Transport Hub.

In the first two weeks of operation the new zones and elevated roadway have cut average travel times between Mickleham Road and the airport Drop off zone by 10 minutes during peak times.

Feedback from both drivers and travellers has been positive, with the airport working to add additional signage where needed to help people navigate the new arrangement.

It comes after the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle Dockers, San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams combined to help make last month the busiest September in Melbourne Airport’s history.

A total of 3,143,097 people were welcomed through the terminals across the month, including 2,114,826 domestic travellers.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new Pick up and Drop off zones were just the first phase of a $17 billion privately funded infrastructure pipeline.

"Demand for travel to and from Melbourne continues to grow and we are building the terminal, airfield and transport facilities we need to support that,” she said.

“Having just recorded our busiest September on record, the need for this investment is obvious.

“We’re thrilled with how well Melburnians have adapted to the new Pick up and Drop off zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and we’d like to thank them for the way they’ve embraced the change.

“With the old Departures ramp now closed to traffic we can start to plan further changes in the arrivals forecourt that will allow us to start construction on the much-needed international terminal expansion.

“When the terminals works are completed, passengers will have more space at both check-in and baggage claim, with higher ceilings and more natural light, along with five additional gates for airlines and an upgraded lounge and retail offering.