The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has approved Melbourne Airport’s 2022 Master Plan as the hub aims to add a third and eventually fourth runway to cater to growing demand.
While the new Master Plan helps guide development at the airport for at least the next two decades, it does not mean a new runway has now been approved.
MEL intends to submit a formal proposal for its third airstrip early next year, and expects a decision on the plan sometime in mid-2023, subject to Federal Government timelines.
If given the green light, Melbourne Airport’s third runway will be built in a north-south direction, with a fourth runway to operate on an east-west path. This is called a “hashtag configuration”.
Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said the updated Master Plan would ensure the Victorian gateway continued to meet the demands placed on it.
“The 2022 Master Plan outlines our long-term vision for Melbourne Airport and identifies the infrastructure we need to keep pace with Victoria’s growing population,” she remarked.
“Australia’s vast distances and Melbourne’s position on the globe mean air travel is essential to connect people, goods and business, and it’s important to make this as easy as possible.
“Key to this is construction of a third runway, which will improve the efficiency of the airfield by introducing parallel operations, while also allowing the airport to cater for increased demand.”
Eco-friendly airport
Moreover, Argus said the airport was developing a sustainability strategy alongside the Master Plan “with a commitment to net zero (Scope 1 and 2) by 2025 … Scope 3 emissions reduction and a commitment to circular economy principles including on major infrastructure”.
Last month, Melbourne Airport reported a massive 5,525 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger movements for September.
Work on its long-awaited rail link to downtown Melbourne is due to commence next year and be completed by 2029.
For more on Melbourne Airport visit its website.
