Qantas and Melbourne Airport have reached a commercial agreement on key terms that will support the airport’s $4.5 billion international terminal expansion and the delivery of a third runway in 2031.
The deal clears the way for more flights out of Melbourne, five additional widebody gates, international lounge upgrades and check-in enhancements, alongside a 15-year commitment underpinning the airport’s third runway.
The Qantas Group and Melbourne Airport agreement is also designed to support the carrier’s long-term growth plans out of Victoria.
What the agreement covers
The commercial terms help fund Melbourne Airport’s $4.5 billion international terminal expansion program, which includes five extra widebody gates to accommodate larger aircraft and additional international services.
Beyond the terminal, the agreement locks in a 15-year commitment tied to the airport’s third runway, scheduled to open in 2031.
The expansion also brings international lounge upgrades and check-in enhancements for passengers travelling through the airport.
What it means for Melbourne departures
The additional widebody gates and eventual third runway point to more international capacity out of Melbourne over the coming years, opening room for extra frequencies and new long-haul services to the destinations Australians travel to most, coming as the airport records its busiest 12 months for international travel since opening in 1970.
The 2031 runway opening is a long-dated milestone, but the terminal works and gate expansion set the stage for growth well before then.
The Qantas and Melbourne Airport deal arrived on the same day as the first Project Sunrise test flight landed in Victoria. Read more about that here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: More gates and eventually a third runway at Melbourne signal room for the Qantas Group to grow its international network out of Victoria, with the near-term terminal upgrades landing well ahead of the 2031 runway. For travel advisors with Melbourne-based clients, it’s a marker to watch for future capacity and route announcements.
