Major changes at Melbourne Airport to start next month

Melbourne Airport to open new pick-up and drop-off zones in OctoberPosted Mon 7 Sep 2026 at 7:48amMon 7 Sep 2026 at 7:48amMelbourne Airport says moving the drop-off and pick-up zones will allow it to expand the international terminal. (Supplied: Melbourne Airport)In short:New pick-up and drop-off zones at Melbourne Airport will open on October 6.The changes will mean the airport's 56-year-old departures ramp will no longer be used.The pick-up and drop-off zones are being moved to allow for the expansion of the international terminal. Melbourne Airport's new pick-up and drop-off zones will open in just under a month as part of what the airport says are the biggest changes to its road network since it opened in 1970.From October 6, the existing pick-up and drop-off zones at the airport will no longer operate and cars will have to use the new zones within the undercover parking area.The changes mean anyone heading to pick up or drop off at the airport will need to leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier at Exit 19 and use the elevated roadway to access terminals.Melbourne Airport's new pick-up and drop-off zones will open on October 6. (Supplied: Melbourne Airport)Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said moving the pick-up and drop-off zones will allow for the expansion of the international terminal."With more than 100,000 people using Melbourne Airport every day and annual passenger numbers predicted to reach 75 million people by 2047, we need to expand our precinct," she said."This is an exciting change, but it's also a big change and we know it will take people time to get used to it, so we'll have plenty of staff on hand to help support drivers and passengers."Melbourne Airport says the new pick-up and drop-off zones allow space for more vehicles. (Supplied: Melbourne Airport)A 60-minute free waiting zone will continue to operate off Mercer Drive.Passengers have been dropped off at the departures ramp since the airport opened 56 years ago.Melbourne Airport said the new pick-up and drop-off zones will separate private and commercial vehicles and allow passengers to wait for rides under cover and near toilets.