Melbourne Airport has been cleared to build a third runway, with federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King approving the project's major development plan — a 3,000-metre strip the airport says will add $6 billion a year to the state economy.
The new runway will run parallel to, and 1.3 kilometres to the west of, the existing north-south runway, alongside new taxiways and other infrastructure. When it opens in 2031, the two-runway system will let aircraft take off and land simultaneously, sharply increasing the airport's capacity. Main construction is due to begin this year, after initial works started in August 2025.
The airport, operated by Australia Pacific Airports Corporation, projects the runway will support 51,000 jobs across Victoria's tourism, agriculture, education and other export industries, with a further 37,000 jobs at the airport precinct by 2046. It has argued the extra capacity is needed so that Melbourne "does not become a handbrake on the national air network or the national economy".
"I have approved the major development plan for the construction of a third runway at Melbourne Airport," King said. "This new runway will allow Melbourne Airport to cater for the demand of a growing city, providing better access for freight and passengers."
Peter Lellyett, the airport's third runway executive director, said the project was "critical to keep Victoria connected, ensuring we can meet future demand for travel and support the state's economy". The airport has acknowledged the runway will require new flight paths and has begun consultation on a noise amelioration plan for the most affected homes in the Hume and Brimbank council areas.
With federal sign-off secured and earthworks looming, attention now turns to the six-year build — a project that, on the airport's numbers, will reshape both the Tullamarine skyline and Victoria's export economy well before the runway carries its first flight in 2031.
