Melbourne Airport third runway gets green light

The runway was approved by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.

The 3,000-metre-long runway will be built parallel and 1.3 kilometres to the west of the existing north-south runway, along with new taxiways and other enabling infrastructure.

When it opens in 2031, the parallel runway system will significantly increase Melbourne Airport’s capacity by allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings, which will help reduce delays and give existing airlines and new entrants the infrastructure they need to grow.

As part of the approval, which factors in noise considerations, Melbourne Airport will establish the most comprehensive brownfields noise attenuation program in Australian aviation history following consultation with local councils, communities, and state and federal government agencies.

The length of the existing east-west runway will be restored to maximise opportunities for noise sharing.

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said: “The third runway will deliver jobs and economic growth for the state of Victoria and incredible opportunities for the people of Melbourne’s north-west. It will also give airlines the room they need to grow, which will provide travellers with more choice.

“Melbourne Airport was specifically designed to be Victoria’s primary 24-hour international gateway, and we’ve been safeguarding for this expansion for decades.

“We’ve heard the concerns from some residents about noise, and we’ve worked closely with the government throughout the approval process to develop terms for a comprehensive noise attenuation program that will support the people most affected by aircraft noise.”

The Victorian Chamber has long called for a third runway and welcomes this development, which will facilitate more access for freight and passengers, driving economic growth for a growing city.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “The Federal Government’s approval of a third runway for Melbourne Airport is fantastic news for the Victorian economy and community.

“We congratulate the team at Melbourne Airport for their vision and commitment to make this investment in a project worth six billion dollars to our economy.

“The Victorian Chamber knows this is a crucial project that will boost Victoria’s capacity for international investment, trade, tourism and business travel, while cutting back on delays and encouraging airline competition with more room for additional carriers.”