Melbourne Airport has a new front door, with new Pick up and Drop off zones opened this morning to give passengers more space, improved amenity and a dedicated express roadway.
The new $500 million road network opened at 4am with passengers flying on Qantas, Virgin Australia and international flights now welcomed through new, larger zones in the T123 Transport Hub and a new dedicated exit off the Tullamarine Freeway.
The changes will help pave the way for a $4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal.
The new Drop off zone is designed to reduce traffic congestion that plagued the aging departures ramp during peak hours, with more lanes and almost double the number of bays.
A new, 19-metre wide bridge connecting the T123 Transport Hub with the terminals has also been opened, featuring prominent artwork that celebrates the local Wurundjeri people and culture.
For the first time, arriving passengers being picked up by family or friends can wait undercover with easy access to seating and toilets in the new Pick up zone that features 115 drive in/drive out bays, which is almost triple the number of bays in the forecourt zone it has replaced.
The change means drivers will need to leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier at Exit 19 (Naarm Way) to access the new direct elevated roadway to Pick up and Drop off for all airlines.
Dozens of extra Melbourne Airport staff and volunteers are on hand to help drivers and passengers adjust to the change, which is the biggest since the airport opened in July 1970.
To help support travellers with mobility needs move around the expanded precinct, the popular Melbourne Airport Assist service has been expanded and its hours extended from 3am to 1am.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new facilities are designed to help the airport better cater for the millions of travellers now flying in and out of Melbourne.
“Today is an incredibly exciting day for us, but we understand it’s a big change for our travellers,” she said.
“Today we’re not just opening new Pick up and Drop off zones, but effectively a new front door for the airport, with a new gateway precinct and a new bridge to take people into the terminals.
"Closing the departures ramp and opening our new Pick up and Drop off zones will enable us to start work expanding the footprint of our international terminal.
“We have dozens of extra staff rostered on today to help support passengers and that will continue across the coming weeks to help people navigate the new airport layout.
“As we adjust to the change we’d encourage everyone to plan ahead and allow extra time.
“We’re expecting to welcome 75 million passengers a year by 2047 so it’s imperative that we build the infrastructure now to support that growth.”