Melbourne Airport is undergoing a massive transformation to tackle its notorious peak-hour congestion—promising to cut travel times by up to 28 minutes with the new Naarm Way elevated roadway and upgraded drop-off zones12.
✅ Opening in 2026, this high-speed elevated road will:
·Bypass traffic lights, reducing bottlenecks on Departure Drive1.
·Double drop-off capacity, speeding up passenger pickups2.
·Free up space for future international terminal expansion2.
�� Why It Matters?
Currently, 340+ million passengers/year use the airport, with 700+ million expected in 20 years2.
Without Naarm Way, delays could worsen by 28 minutes by 20301.
�� Ongoing Works (2025-2026):
·Nightly lane closures for steel beam installations2.
·2,000 parking spots removed temporarily for construction8.
·Modular bridge assembly to minimize disruptions2.
�� Future Changes:
·Old drop-off zones replaced with a centralized hub2.
·Pedestrian safety boost with new walkways8.
⚠️ Travel Advisory:
Add 30 mins to trips during construction4.
Book parking early—spaces will be limited8.
✔ Faster airport access (saving 28+ minutes in peak times)1.
✔ Supports future growth (new runway & terminal expansions)5.
✔ Safer, smoother traffic flow for passengers and drivers2.
2026: Naarm Way fully operational1.
2031: Third runway opens, doubling flight capacity3.
Ongoing: Airport rail link construction (expected post-2026)6.
Final Takeaway:
"Short-term pain for long-term gain—Melbourne Airport is future-proofing for millions more travelers!"