What’s happening?
On 10 June 2027 at 02:00am, 24 taxiways at Melbourne Airport will change names.
We are adjusting the naming convention of our taxiways to enable our airfield to grow and to seamlessly integrate the new taxiways leading to and from our Third Runway.
We will have more than 100 people working on the airfield during the switchover which will require the full closure of Melbourne Airport from 10pm on the 9th of June through to 6am on the 10th 2027.
No flights and no other airfield construction work will occur during the changeover night. All operational notices, On-Air Notices, MOWPs, designs, official communications etc. will need to reference the new names from 10 June.
More than 200 movement area guidance signs will be updated across the night along with updates to key aeronautical data to ensure a smooth transition to the new naming convention.
The change represents the most significant operational change ever undertaken at Melbourne Airport and will pave the way for the integration of our Third Runway’s operations.
Why the change?
Melbourne Airport is forecasting 75 million passengers by 2047 which brings with it the need for additional infrastructure to support the growth.
That's why we're building a third runway and expanding our airside and landside capacities.
Several projects need to align to enable this growth to go ahead as smoothly as possible. This includes name changes of taxiway, aircraft stand and taxilanes, as well as the reconstruction and realignment of certain parts of the airfield.
Why a full closure and not staged?
Safety is Melbourne Airport’s number one priority.
During the big switch we will have more than 100 workers operating across the airfield undertaking tasks such as changing movement area guidance signs (MAGS) and updating line markings.
Given the number of workers and the extent of the changes it would not be safe to continue 24/7 operations during this time.
The approach of a single-night switchover minimises the operational disruption and reduces the risk of pilot, air traffic controller and construction crew confusion associated with a staged implementation.
This approach represents the safest method of delivery given the extent of changes.
Why the 10th of June?
To make the transition as smooth and safe as possible for our various airfield users - including pilots, ground handlers, air traffic controllers and others - we have aligned our switchover date with the globally standardised AIRAC cycle.
What's an AIRAC cycle?
There are two annual dates available for major updates of aeronautical data in the AIP (=Aeronautical Information Publication) during the so-called AIRAC cycles (AIRAC = Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control). Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and many other airspace and airport users rely on this trusted source of controlled and reliable data.
More information: https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/aip.asp
Why can't the existing naming system continue to be used?
Quite simply, all available taxiway designators have now been allocated. Without renaming the existing taxiways, there would be no available identifiers for the new taxiway leading to and from our Third Runway.
How will the renaming improve safety?
The new naming conventions align Melbourne Airport with the naming conventions used by other major airports around the world and provides the flexibility needed to support future airport growth and development.
Will emergency services and their response be affected?
No, access arrangements for emergency services will remain unchanged. However, some airport emergency services will need to familiarise themselves with the updated taxiway names. These teams are undertaking dedicated training and awareness activities ahead of the change.
How are airlines and other airfield users being prepared for the change?
Melbourne Airport will update all owned systems, procedures and operational documentation impacted by the change outlined in this Aeronautical Information Circular.
While Melbourne Airport is conducting regular briefings and information sessions with airlines and other airfield users to support operational readiness and ensure stakeholders are well prepared for the transition, each airline and airfield user is responsible for managing its own operational readiness activities, including any required updates to people, processes, systems, training and internal procedures.
Can we move the changeover night to a weekend?
No, as the changeover is in line with a major AIRAC cycle on Thursday morning at 2am to move the changeover to the weekend would mean there are two sets of information regarding the change which may cause confusion for stakeholders.