Melbourne Airport's New Drop-off Zone Wins Passengers Over

Melbourne Airport's new pick-up and drop-off zones have been met with approval from passengers, who report a seamless transition to the new arrangements. The airport's departure ramp, which was used to drop passengers at the front door of terminals 1, 2, and 3, closed last night after more than 50 years in operation.

New Drop-off Zone in Operation

The new combined drop-off and pick-up area has been built in the multi-level car park at the airport, with an earlier exit from the Tullamarine Freeway. The passenger zone, roadway, and footbridge to the airport terminals cost a combined $500 million. The airport aimed to reduce traffic congestion outside the terminals' departure areas and featured almost triple the number of bays compared to the forecourt.

There have been concerns about the longer walk to the terminal for elderly travelers and people with mobility issues. However, passengers who spoke to our reporters this morning approved of the new arrangement.

"Our son managed to find his way really well," said one woman who had just been dropped off for a flight home to New Zealand.

"So far it's easy, pretty convenient. The last one was a bit hectic, a bit busy," said another traveler.

This New Zealand traveler says her son had no trouble finding his way to the new drop-off area.

"It's pretty great, lots of room," said another woman who agreed the new zone appeared "less hectic" than the previous facility.

"Get our steps in," her traveling companion added.

A driver said he felt safer using the new zone, while another said he found it easier to drop off his passengers. Drivers now have to leave the Tullamarine Freeway using the exit to Naarm Way.

There was a crash on the freeway this morning, causing delays getting to the airport, but it was not known if it was related to the new airport arrangements.

Airport Response

Melbourne Airport spokesperson Andrew Lund said the new zone appeared to be working well on the first morning of operation.

"This is a big change and it's going to take everybody, including us, a little of time to get used to," he said.

"The trade-off for giving cars and people more space is there is a bit of a longer walk," he said. "We've got support in the form of buggies and wheelchairs available for people to help them with that and they've been used quite regularly so far this morning."

The airport said it had rostered on dozens of extra staff today and in the coming weeks to help passengers navigate the new layout.