Melbourne Airport is getting a third runway.

Melbourne Airport is continuing to push forward with plans to build a new north-south runway to ensure the airport can keep serving Victoria for decades to come.

The airport currently operates two intersecting runways. However, to improve safety, efficiency, and operability, the aviation industry has shown a preference for parallel runway operations. Melbourne Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world, does not currently have a parallel runway system.

The M3R project will involve the construction of a new runway parallel to the existing north-south runway, modification of the existing east-west runway, and extensive construction and modification of taxiways along with associated support infrastructure. DCWC is proud of our M3R team who are performing the role of External Project Manager as we support Melbourne Airport in the planning and delivery of this significant project.

The M3R project includes:

• Construction of a new 3,000-meter-long parallel north-south runway (16R/34L) with a 200-meter runway starter extension at the southern end, along with an associated taxiway network.
• Shortening of the east-west runway (09/27) from 2,286 meters to approximately 1,940 meters to avoid interference with the new runway infrastructure.
• Installation of lighting and navigational aids.
• Construction of a tunnel for alternate access to the air services compound under new cross-field taxiways.
• Development of new construction zones in the west to facilitate the M3R works, including construction access roads from the north and south.
• Provision for new Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service facilities and infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements regarding emergency response to the new runway.
• Site works include installation of a new stormwater drainage network and utilities like water, electricity, sewerage, gas, and communications to support operations.

The project is expected to create 37,000 additional jobs in Victoria, with the new runway capacity allowing an additional 23 million passengers a year by 2046, along with an additional 136,500 aircraft movements a year. This represents a 40% increase in passengers and a 43% increase in aircraft movements.

The long-term plans for Melbourne Airport have included a four-runway configuration since the 1960s. The need for the development of a third runway was outlined in the 2013 Melbourne Airport Master Plan and reaffirmed in the 2018 plan. It is also intended that a fourth runway will be developed in the future as demand necessitates.

The current M3R Major Development Plan and Melbourne Airport’s 2022 Master Plan can be found here.  To support the Airport's Planning team with their review and update of the current 2022 Master Plan and M3R Major Development Plan with the Federal Government, DCWC has been providing ongoing leadership and project management services for the design development phase and planning the procurement approach as this project progresses.

Concept design courtesy of Melbourne Airport.