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Melbourne Airport’s $500 Million Drop Off And Pick Up Zone Opens In October

8th Jul 2026
Written by: Kiera Eardley

In a move that will make us ten times more likely to offer to pick up a mate, Melbourne Airport is set to open its new Pick Up and Drop Off zones in October. The overhaul will more than double the current drop off and pickup capacity and put an end to the chaotic congestion along both Arrival Drive and Departure Drive; the roads that’ve been used for over 50 years, and haven't quite kept pace with the airport’s growth.

The new $500 million hub is nearing completion, with live trials already underway to prepare for a public launch this spring. 

What's Changing At The Melbourne Airport Drop Off And Pick Up Zone?

Built within the T123 multi-level carpark, the brand-new T123 Transport Hub will become the only pick-up and drop-off point for those flying with Qantas, Virgin Australia, and all international flights. Private cars will be separated for the first time from commercial vehicles, plus new express ramps will directly connect the Tullamarine Freeway to the Hub to significantly reduce the time it takes to navigate the current airport road network. 

The project was prompted by traffic modelling that suggested passengers would face an additional 28-minute wait during peak periods by 2029, with the new layout more than doubling capacity and easing congestion—even with growing crowds. 

It’s worth noting that Terminal 4 will continue to operate separately, with the new T123 Transport Hub working in a similar way to the current T4 Transport Hub for Jetstar and Rex. 

When Does The T123 Transport Hub Open? 

The new T123 Transport Hub is set to open in Ocober.

The timing is deliberate; Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus says the October opening avoids the school holiday and AFL Finals rush, while giving travellers a few months to adjust before another peak period at Christmas.

Ahead of the official launch, live accessibility trials are already underway in partnership with Get Skilled Access and Traveller’s Aid.

“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," Argus says.

Melbourne Airport's Major $4.5 Billion Expansion

While exciting, the T123Transport Hub is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Clearing the existing road network makes way for a $4.5 billion expansion of Melbourne Airport’s International terminal, which has been waiting on this infrastructure to proceed. 

Find out more about Melbourne Airport’s expansion here. 

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Imagery: Melbourne Airport | Website