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In case you hadn't realised, there's quite a few changes going on at Melbourne Airport. The international terminal is set for a major expansion, a $500 million baggage system is coming and so are new pick-up and drop-off zones. Phew!
And now, the east–west runway is getting a much-needed, once-a-decade upgrade. Workers have started resurfacing the asphalt, repainting line markings, adding new runway grooves to improve safety and updating the Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) system on the eastern section of runway 09/27, which is Melbourne Airport’s shorter runway at 2,286 metres.
This project commenced on January 21 and will run right through August – dependent on Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, of course. To minimise disruption during the busiest times of day, works are scheduled between 10pm and 6am, Monday to Friday.
Closing one of Melbourne Airport’s two runways while operating as a 24/7, curfew-free airport is a complex logistical matter. All flights arriving at and departing from Melbourne Airport will use the north–south runway during this time. Heads up – if you live near the airport, you might notice an increase in aircraft and work-related noise. After all, this is a large-scale operation essential to keep the runway in tip-top condition for the next ten-12 years.
Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said the project has been planned to balance safety, operational needs and community impact, and also shared the good news that Melbourne Airport’s third runway is on track to open in 2031.
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