Overview
Melbourne Airport is set to get a serious makeover, kicking off within the next 12 months, as it prepares to welcome more than double the number of annual passengers over the coming two decades.
As reported by the ABC, the airport is expecting a huge 68 million annual visitors by the year 2038, and has announced an overhaul of its facilities to help cope with this influx. Suggested improvements include expanded pick-up and drop-off zones to help combat congestion, as well as facilities in these areas where passengers can get a head-start on checking their luggage.
And in the coming months, expect to see extra travelators installed, in an effort to move people around inside the airport more quickly.
Meanwhile, hefty changes outside the airport will see a third runway open by 2023, an extension for the current east-west runway operating by 2027, and a fourth runway added at a later date. This would allow Melbourne Airport to handle up to 100 arrivals or departures each hour, as opposed to the current 55 flights.
Terminal 2, which handles international travel, is also set for a significant expansion, to cope with an expected 22 million international passengers annually, by the year 2037-2038.
But despite all these proposals, Melbourne Airport is yet to announce any further news about a potential air rail link. Melbourne Aiport will be releasing its full master plan on Monday via the website.
Via abc.net.au
Images: Artist impressions of the new Terminal 2