Melbourne Airport has secured federal approval for its third runway, a critical project expected to enhance aviation infrastructure for Victoria and create tens of thousands of jobs. The new runway, which will be 3,000 meters long and located parallel to the current north-south runway, is scheduled to open in 2031.
The Federal Government has officially approved the Major Development Plan, following an extensive community consultation and a thorough review of environmental and social impacts. Construction and detailed design work are set to begin soon, aiming to significantly increase the airport’s capacity by enabling simultaneous take-offs and landings.
According to Melbourne Airport, the new runway will help address growing demand for air travel as Victoria’s population expands. It will also support existing and new airlines by reducing delays and improving infrastructure. Additionally, the project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, adding an estimated $6 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting 51,000 jobs across industries like tourism, agriculture, and education.
Lorie Argus, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Airport, emphasized the long-term importance of the project: “The new north-south runway will ensure Victoria’s primary international gateway has adequate capacity to serve the state’s needs for future generations. Sydney and Brisbane already operate parallel runway systems, so this will prevent Melbourne from becoming a bottleneck in Australia’s air network.”
In fiscal year 2024, Melbourne Airport handled 35.1 million passengers, 13.9% more than the previous year. It manages an average of over 700 flights daily, with a network of more than 80 destinations served by over 40 airlines.
Noise Management and Community Concerns
One of the major concerns raised during the approval process was aircraft noise. In response, Melbourne Airport has committed to implementing Australia’s most comprehensive noise attenuation program. This initiative will support residential, childcare, and educational facilities most affected by the new flight paths, developed in collaboration with local councils, communities, and government agencies.
Melbourne Airport also announced plans to restore the length of its existing east-west runway to balance noise sharing and reduce the impact on nearby residents. Additionally, a long-term study on the health effects of aircraft noise on surrounding communities will be conducted, with input from the Melbourne Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group.
“The third runway will provide significant benefits for Victoria’s economy and create job opportunities for the people in Melbourne’s north-west. We’re also committed to addressing community concerns around noise with a comprehensive plan that includes noise mitigation measures,” Argus added.
