The federal government has approved Melbourne Airport’s master plan involving the development of a third runway, among other things. This much-needed green light is a major boost for the airport and for Melbourne – the next crucial step towards raising capacity and enhancing choice for millions of passengers.
The expansion project is expected to cost about $1.9 billion is set to include a new east-west runway extending to 3,000 meters in length. This development would increase the airport capacity from 55 aircraft movements per hour to 85 thus increasing the frequency of both domestic and international flights.
Lorie Argus, the chief executive of Melbourne Airport, said she was delighted with the approval and said that it will be instrumental in catering for the increasing demand for air travel in Victoria. “This expansion will not only increase the capacity to accommodate more flights but also improve the passenger facility and help the state’s economy greatly,” Argus added.
The decision to proceed with the third runway has been reached following several planning, evaluation of the environmental impacts, and consultations with the people. The federal government’s approval is subject to the airport achieving set environmental and noise standards in order to overcome issues raised by local residents and environmental activists.
To meet the noise management measures under the expansion plan, Melbourne Airport has agreed to undertake sound insulation measures for properties in areas surrounding the airport as well as a ban on night flying for the new runway. The airport will also develop the latest technologies in cutting down emissions from the airplane and increasing fuel efficiency.
The expansion has received a warm welcome from the Victorian government; Premier Jacinta Allan has noted the value to Victorian economy that the expansion will create. “This project will generate thousands of employment opportunities during construction and also when operational, this project will solidify Melbourne as the preferred gateway for international visitors and trade,” said Allan.
However, the expansion plan has seen the company facing a lot of criticism in the recent past. Loud sounds produced by these vehicles may pose a risk to local communities and this is why some of the groups, especially environmental activists, have raised their concerns with regards to appearance of these vehicles and the noise as well as the pollution of the air in areas near them. These stakeholders have assured the airport to implement measures that will help in eradicating all negative impacts which affect these stakeholders.
The third runway project should commence in the early part of 2025 with overall construction expected to be complete by 2029. The expansion project will cover construction of new runway, improvement of existing terminals, ground transport and facilities to handle cargo.
Aerospace analysts believe that the fact that the third runway would be available to accommodate the large number of flights during the rush hour will ease traffic and resulting delays. It is also expected to attract more international airlines to Melbourne to open up new routes and subsequently increase competition on the Melbourne route.
The Melbourne Airport expansion plan has been granted approval at a right time for the aviation sector that is observing a strong recovery from the effects of COVID-19. As more people continue to travel internationally and domestically, the increased capacity will be paramount in addressing future growth.
With Melbourne further evolving into a world city, the airport expansion is considered to be a vital infrastructural undertaking that will boost the growth of the region and help strengthen the relationship of the region with the rest of the world. It has been projected that the project will produce large economic returns in terms of tourism receipts and trade.
However, the approval only means that the airport and all concerned authorities will now proceed to the planning and execution of the project in its most specific sense. This will include more consultation with stakeholders, the finalization of design plans and more critically, compliance to all environmental and regulatory measures during construction.
Residents and travelers in Melbourne can expect better air travel facilities in the future years through more flight frequency, less flight delay and better infrastructure at one of the most significant airports in Australia.
