The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) supports today’s announcement that a third runway will be operating at Melbourne Airport by 2025.
Melbourne Airport has announced that it will proceed with a north-south runway to deliver to improved outcomes in availability, capacity, long-term investment profile and community impacts.
Based on current performance of existing runways, a north-south runway is expected to be operational for almost the whole year, unlike an east-west runway which presently is only operational 70-80 per cent of the time due to prevailing winds.
Victoria Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Felicia Mariani said she was pleased Melbourne Airport has so closely analysed growth projections and is prepared to invest in developments that will increase capacity for future arrivals demand.
“Melbourne is Australia’s busiest 24/7 airport. With more than 37 million people arriving last financial year, it’s clear there needs to be a plan to manage anticipated growth efficiently,” she said.
“Current growth projections show almost 70 million people are expected to arrive at Melbourne Airport by 2038, and we applaud Melbourne Airport for investing in this future growth and committing to a third runway.”
Ms Mariani said this announcement, coupled with $5 billion commitments from both the State and Federal Governments to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link project, would provide a better experience for visitors arriving at Melbourne Airport.
“Combined, we now have a blueprint to facilitate the growth in projected arrivals at Melbourne Airport, while also developing a greatly enhanced experience for our visitors once they arrive. Ultimately, these enhancements will come together to provide better access to our regions and the amazing experiences on offer across Victoria.”
