Melbourne Airport is celebrating a significant milestone as the Federal Government has given the green light for its long-awaited third runway. This project, which has been in the works for years, promises to significantly boost aviation infrastructure in Victoria and generate thousands of new jobs. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government has officially approved the Major Development Plan, moving the project into the next phase of detailed design and construction. This approval comes after extensive community consultations and a thorough assessment of the runway’s environmental and social impacts, ensuring that the project aligns with the region’s growth while addressing concerns raised by local stakeholders. The new 3,000-meter runway, located 1.3 kilometers west of the current north-south runway, will be built in parallel, allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings. This addition will be accompanied by new taxiways and essential supporting infrastructure, setting the stage for Melbourne Airport to handle a significant increase in passenger and cargo volumes. Scheduled to open in 2031, the runway is expected to play a crucial role in easing congestion and reducing delays, providing airlines, both existing and new, with the capacity to expand their operations. The upgrade also includes a plan to restore the length of the existing east-west runway, facilitating more efficient noise management. With this ambitious project underway, Melbourne Airport is poised to meet the demands of a growing state while strengthening its position as a key hub within Australia’s aviation network. Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus highlighted the long-term benefits the new runway will bring to Australian travelers and exporters. “Australia’s vast distances and Melbourne’s position on the globe mean demand for air access will continue to grow as our population increases,” she stated. “The new north-south runway will ensure Victoria’s primary international gateway has adequate capacity to serve the state’s needs for future generations.” Argus emphasized the importance of this development, comparing it to the parallel runway systems already operational in Sydney and Brisbane. “This will ensure that Melbourne does not become a handbrake on the national air network or the national economy,” she added. The construction of the new runway will necessitate new flight paths, and as part of this project, the airport will be implementing noise attenuation measures for dwellings in the most affected areas. The runway project is anticipated to support 51,000 jobs in Victoria’s tourism, agriculture, education, and other export industries, contributing an additional $6 billion annually to the state economy.
