Terminal 3 transformation underway at Melbourne
Despite the current COVID-19 restrictions applicable over much of Australia, Melbourne Airport's renewal of Terminal 3 will elevate the traveller experience for passengers using the terminal and will deliver a world-class infrastructure upgrade that includes contemporary amenities, Melbourne brands and greater connectivity with Terminal 4.
The Terminal 3 redevelopment will occur in stages over the next 12 months and under the reconfiguration, domestic travellers will have more time to relax inside restaurants and retailers before boarding their flights.
The main security screening area will relocate to Terminal 4, enabling travellers to keep laptops in bags while being processed, 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 and 4. In addition, a more streamlined exit point 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. 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 open inside T3 to reflect the city’s much loved culinary scene.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Lorie Argus said the Terminal 3 upgrade is a continuation of recent efforts to modernise the airport.
“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,” said Ms Argus.
“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.
“We understand flying can be stressful for parents, so we’ve introduced interactive play walls inside our new parent rooms, encouraging kids to touch and watch different scenes keeping them amused while their carers are busy with other children. We’ve already received great feedback, with some guests stating they don’t want to leave the new facilities!
“Overall, the modernisation and reconfiguration of the terminal will enable greater flow with Terminal 4 (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 gate, especially without luggage.
“We look forward to making enhancements as we progressively welcome back more domestic passengers.”
The Terminal 3 upgrade is valued at approximately $30 million and is expected to be complete mid-next year.
© Kevan James / Melbourne Airport 2021
Images courtesy of Melbourne Airport
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