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Runway Development Program

Fast facts

This number is forecast to reach almost 350,000

by 2033.

The Runway Development Program (RDP) proposes a new third runway with an east–west orientation for Melbourne Airport and the extension of its existing east–west runway.

The number of aircraft and passengers that will travel through Melbourne Airport is forecast to grow from about 33 million passengers in 2015 to around 64 million passengers by 2033.

The new runway system will increase the overall capacity of the airport and provide the most efficient solution for passengers and airlines.

It will mean passengers and aircraft spend less time on the ground waiting to depart, and less time in the air waiting to land.

Detailed planning and technical studies, as well as a comprehensive community engagement program, are underway to guide the development of the RDP.

By 2033 this number is expected to grow to

64 million.

Close to

33 million passengers

passed through Melbourne Airport

in 2015.

The current runway system

can handle

240,000 aircraft movements

a year.

3km

> Runway Development Program - Fact Sheet

Melbourne Airport’s new third runway

It is proposed that the new third runway will be two kilometres to the south of the existing east–west runway. It will be three kilometres long, 60 metres wide and will be capable of handling all aircraft types, including the Airbus A380.

Subject to Commonwealth Government approval, construction of the third runway is expected to commence sometime between 2019–2021 and will take two to three years to complete.

It is expected that aircraft will start using the new runway between 2022–2024.

Impacts on the community

Airports by their very nature are busy, noisy places and this can impact on neighbouring communities.

When the proposed third runway becomes operational, residents in Gladstone Park and Broadmeadows to the east of the airport, and Hillside to the west, will notice more aircraft flying overhead.

Aircraft tend to make more noise when taking off so it's proposed that most aircraft using the new runway will approach the airport from the east, and take off to the west, depending on weather and air traffic control requirements.

The existing north–south runway will continue to be used, depending on weather and air traffic control requirements.

If approved, Airservices Australia will determine flight paths for the proposed new runway approximately two years before operations commence.

Why east–west?

A major safety and operational advantage of a second east–west runway is that it eliminates the need for aircraft moving to and from the terminal precinct to cross paths on the runways – as the terminal would be between the parallel runways.

With no runway crossing, there are no additional delays for aircraft waiting to cross the runways. There would also be shorter flight path distances for flights as well as shorter taxiing distances and times.

It also means less fuel is burnt, fewer carbon emissions are generated and there is a reduction in aircraft ground noise, which benefits the environment and the community.

Planning and approval process

For the RDP to be approved, Melbourne Airport must undertake a Major Development Plan (MDP). This is a detailed planning document that considers the RDP’s impact on the community and the environment.

The MDP will be informed by multiple technical studies that will cover areas such as noise, flight paths, environment, health, and social and economic impacts.

The MDP will be available for public comment before it is submitted to the Commonwealth Government for approval.

Runway Development Program timeline

2014–2018 Technical studies, covering noise, environment, flight paths, health, and social and economic impacts

2018 Publication of the preliminary draft Major Development Plan (MDP) for public comment

2018–19 MDP submitted to the Commonwealth Government

2019–2021 Construction commences, subject to government approval

2022–2024 Operations commence on the new runway system

For more information on the Runway Development Program: Phone 9297 1597, email community@melair.com.au or visit www.melbourneairport.com.au/newrunway

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