Melbourne Airport has announced a $30 million world-class infrastructure upgrade for Terminal 3, including contemporary amenities and greater connectivity with Terminal 4 – to be completed mid-next year.
The main security screening area will relocate to Terminal 4, enabling travellers to keep laptops in bags while being processed and taking advantage of the airport’s latest smart security technology – which results in faster screening.
Passengers will also experience greater connectivity between domestic terminals, thanks to a new departures-level indoor walkway linking Terminals 3 (T3) and 4 (T4).
In addition, Melbourne brands will be featured in the terminal and more streamlined exit points in arrivals will intuitively guide guests to outdoor transport options.
The airport is also investing in its bathroom facilities and T3 is the first Terminal to benefit from the upgrade.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation, Lorie Argus, said the T3 upgrade is a continuation of recent efforts to modernise the airport.
“Overall, the modernisation and reconfiguration of the terminal will enable greater flow with T4 and when security screening moves next year we encourage T3 guests to park in the T4 Car Park, as it’s a shorter walk to the gate, especially without luggage,” Ms Argus said.
The new parent rooms, located close to Gates 1 and 2, feature interactive full-length walls so children can play and stay entertained while their guardians tend to other needs.
Over the next year, several new iconic Melbourne dining venues and stores will also open inside T3 to reflect the city’s much loved culinary scene.
Ms Argus said, “We are progressively refining the traveller experience through improving the layout, amenities and technology inside all of our terminals, to deliver a world-class passenger experience for anyone travelling in or out of Melbourne.
“One of the most significant aspects of the T3 upgrade is the relocation of security screening moving from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4. In future, it will mean travellers use Terminal 4 for processing, which allows them to move through screening much faster compared to traditional screening lanes.
“We’re also really excited about the amenities upgrade, which goes far beyond traditional toilets. Apart from male, female and ambulant facilities, we are installing all gender areas, adult change rooms and assistance animal relief spaces.”
Ms Argus said she understands flying can be stressful for parents, with the new interactive play walls inside the parent rooms encouraging kids to touch and watch different scenes, keeping them amused whilst their carers are busy.
Ms Argus said, “We’ve already received great feedback, with some guests stating they don’t want to leave the new facilities!
“We look forward to making enhancements as we progressively welcome back more domestic passengers.”
