On the site of Yarra River Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria. There are amazing events and festivals in Melbourne with great shopping and live passion for eating and drinking. Beautiful parks and gardens in Melbourne will make you bliss and the discovery of gold will give the glance of prosperous age. Reach Melbourne from Melbourne Airport is also called as Tullamarine Airport which is the primary airport in the city of Melbourne. Opened in the year 1970 it replaced the nearby Essendon Airport and is the second busiest airport in Australia. It is located 23 kilometers away from city centre and nearby the suburb of Tullamarine. Third most traveled passenger air route in the world is Melbourne Sydney air route. Direct flights for all the states and territories of Australia travel from this airport. This airport also serves flights to other destinations like Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. It is the hub for Virgin Blue and Qantas and home base for Jet star and Tiger Airways Australia.
Melbourne airport is the common destination for five capital cities out of seven. In case of export and import freight Melbourne is the second busiest airport as of December 2008. Melbourne Airport received Eagle Award from International Air Transport Association for its services. National Tourism Awards were also given to this airport for tourism services. There are four terminals on this airport, one international terminal, two domestic terminals, and one budget terminal. Airline Consultancy Company named Sky trax rated Melbourne airport as four star international airports.
Melbourne Airport replaced Essendon Airport as it was unable to meet the demands of passengers and air travel. The runways of Essendon Airport were too short to handle the domestic and international airlines. Increase in passenger traffic was difficult to handle on the Essendon’s runways. This airport was surrounded by residential housing and this was the main problem for the expansion of Essendon Airport. Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced a five year plan to build AU$45 million “Jetport”on 27th November 1962. Tullamarine was the site chosen to maintain the proximity to Essendon. Ansett Australia launched the Boeing 727 in October 1964 and it was the first jet aircraft used for domestic air travel in Australia which again increased the demand for new airport.
By the year 1967 the airport was ready to serve aircrafts but not passenger flights. On 22nd December 1967 Air Force One landed at this airport with United States President Lyndon B. Johnson. On 1st July 1970 Prime Minister John Gorton opened the airport and from 26th June 1971 domestic flights from Essedon were transferred to this new airport. During the first year of operation Melbourne airport handed six international airlines with 155,275 international passengers. The Federal Airports Corporation was formed by Australian Government in 1988 and Melbourne Airport was placed under operational control with more 21 airports of the nation. In the year 1994 the Australian Government announced that Federal Airports Corporation will operate the airports and some airports will be privatized.
Runways & Terminals
There are two intersecting runways at Melbourne Airport with the area of 3,657 meters. North-South runway and East-West runway. The expansion of these runways is under planning, because of increasing traffic there is a need for third runway. Category III landing system is also introduced which allows plans to land in unexpected weather conditions and this will be one of the unique systems in Australia. There are four terminals on Melbourne Airport. These terminals have 56 gates which 16 international and 40 domestic. The numbering system of these terminals was started in July 2005. Terminal 1 serves the domestic services for Jet Star, Qantas, Qantas Group airlines, and Qantas Link. First floor is the place for Departures and ground floor is the place for arrivals. There are 15 parking bays in this terminal with aerobridges. Terminal 2 handles international flights out of Melbourne Airport. This terminal has 16 gates with aerobridges. Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Emirates Airline operate from this terminal. Terminal 3 is the home for Virgin Blue and Regional Express and has eleven parking bays with a single aerobridge. Terminal 4 is called as South Terminal or Domestic Express and is given to budget airlines. This is the first conventional facility in Australia. This terminal was originally constructed for Impulse Airlines and Virgin Blue. Virgin Blue was shifter the Terminal 3. This concept of Budget terminal model was taken from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Singapore Change Airport. Terminal 3 has lower landing fees due to less basic facilities like lack of aerobridges as compare to conventional terminal
Facilities at Melbourne Airport
Airport hotels
Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport located at 400 meters walk to Domestic and International Terminals which offers a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere with stylish amenities. Hilton Melbourne Airport is connected through walkways from Domestic and International terminals. Hotel Formule 1 Melbourne Airport is located only five minute distance from Melbourne Airport terminals and very nearby restaurant it is the perfect accommodation for one night.
Medical Centre
Melbourne Airport Health at Terminal 1 nearby pharmacy is the general medical service available for tourists. There are services like Body screening, Immunizations, Work injury, Pre-employment medical examinations, Physiotherapy services, and Deep Vein Thrombosis prevention.
Airport maps
Available at all the terminals and can be visible on LCD screens throughout the airport.
Currency exchange & banking
ANZ and Travelex Worldwide Money are the foreign exchange outlets located at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 they also have regular branch banking facility.
Luggage Services
SmarteCarte is the luggage storage facility available at Melbourne Airport. Protect a bag is a luggage wrapping facility provided outside the check in desks on Terminal 2 it provides the best method to protect the luggage. You can also carry your pets at Melbourne airport and information of this is provided on check in desks.
Melbourne Airport golf club
Located near to the airport’s North/South runway Melbourne Airport’s golf club is 18 holes course with water features and 37 bunkers. There is a golf shop where you will get all the equipments. The fees to this golf course starts from $22, it also provides yearly membership.
Disabled access
Disabled parking, disabled toilets, disabled access within the terminals, pick up, and drop off for disabled person is available easily on request.
Traveler’s information service
This service is located on the ground floor at Terminal 2 of International Arrivals. This service will help you find your luggage if lost, contact a person, the latest tours, and events and must see attractions in Victoria.
Wireless internet access
Go online with Melbourne Airport’s wireless hotspot. You just need to turn on the wireless capability of your laptop or mobile phone and connect to “Melbourne Airport”. You need to pay as you get connected. It is available in most of the public places and lounges inside Terminals 2, 3, and 4.
Shopping & Dining
FIRST Tax & Duty Free offers an exciting range of duty free shopping which also includes major brands and exclusive products which are not found any where in Australia. Retail shopping is also available for international passengers. From clothes & accessories to technology you will find variety of outlets. Shopping on Melbourne airport can also be done online. Cafes & snacks, restaurants and bars there is something for every plate and budget. Explore the state of Victoria and reach Melbourne Airport and make your tour a brilliant experience.
