Melbourne Airport’s long-awaited new Pick Up and Drop Off zones are now in their final testing phase, with live trials officially underway ahead of the scheduled October opening.
The $500 million project will transform how passengers move through Australia’s second busiest airport, separating private vehicles from commercial traffic and more than doubling the space available for arrivals and departures. It marks a major shift away from the congested Arrivals and Departures Drive system that has operated for more than 50 years.
Construction is now nearing completion, with the new T123 Transport Hub built within the multi-level T123 car park. Once open, it will become the central pick up and drop off point for Qantas, Virgin Australia and all international flights, linked directly to the Tullamarine Freeway via new express ramps.
Live trials are already in motion as the airport tests systems, traffic flow and passenger movement through the new infrastructure. Accessibility trials are also being conducted in partnership with Get Skilled Access and Traveller’s Aid to ensure the experience is inclusive and fully supported for all travellers.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the staged testing approach is essential before the hub opens to the public.
“This project will mean fewer traffic jams and make more room for hellos and goodbyes, while also unlocking the ability for us to expand the international terminal into the forecourt,” she said.
Argus said the airport’s existing road network is already under strain, with demand set to increase significantly in the coming years.
“Our current road network simply doesn’t have capacity to cope with our forecast passenger growth, with traffic modelling showing that without this project, passengers would be waiting an additional 28 minutes in peak periods by 2029.”
She said the timing of the October opening has been carefully planned to avoid peak travel pressure.
“The October opening is timed to avoid the busy school holiday and footy finals period and will give travellers a couple of months to adjust to the changes before the Christmas peak.”
Argus added that the current testing phase is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition for passengers.
“We know this is a big change for our passengers, which is exactly why we’re running live trials now, well ahead of opening day, to make sure the hub and the road network feeding into it work exactly as they should before passengers start using them.”
More information is available at www.melbourneairport.com.au/pick-up-and-drop-off-hub
