When the Victorian Government released the state budget in May, it acknowledged the airport rail link would be “at least four years delayed” due to Melbourne Airport wanting an underground station at the airport alongside compensation demands.
Melbourne Airport has now indicated it will agree to an above-ground station.
“We will work with the Victorian Government to deliver their preferred above-ground station at the airport so the rail line can become reality,” said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus in a statement released this morning.
“Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line.
“With an estimated 45 million travellers a year predicted to be using our airport when the third runway opens, the rail link will support a massive increase in passenger numbers and billions of dollars in additional economic activity for Victoria.
“While Melbourne Airport has consistently advocated for an underground station, we are prepared to compromise on our position to ensure we have more transport options in place for the millions of new passengers that will visit Victoria and the airport precinct’s expanding workforce,” said Argus.
The development plan for Melbourne Airport’s third runway is currently awaiting approval by the federal government.
“The third runway project will allow for the growth of our existing airlines as well as attracting new carriers. There will be fewer delays with an additional runway and more flight options for travellers, putting downward pressure on air fares,” Argus added.
The delivery of a rail link between the city and the airport will simplify the movement of thousands of people each day to and from the airport, making journeys cheaper, more sustainable and more predictable.
Currently transport into the city is either by taxi or rideshare – upwards of $50-$60 per trip – or by SkyBus, which operates services between the airport and the city every 10 to 15 minutes.
Streamlining travel into Melbourne from the airport will provide a better experience for those visiting the city for conferences and events.
Melbourne Airport already services around 100,000 passengers per day through its domestic and international terminals, with this figure expected to rise to 210,000 per day inside the next two decades.
