Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) are excited to share a significant update for Victoria’s freight and air cargo sectors. The Federal Government has approved Melbourne Airport’s third runway, a key development that will address the growing demands of our industry. Scheduled to be operational by 2031, the runway will greatly enhance Melbourne’s freight capacity, creating new opportunities for exporters and logistics providers.
As a critical air freight gateway, Melbourne Airport handles over 40 per cent of the nation’s air freight exports, moving $1.8 billion in goods annually. High-value, time-sensitive products such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and electronics rely heavily on the airport’s efficiency.
The new north-south runway will increase capacity by allowing simultaneous take-offs and landings, reducing delays, and improving service levels. As Melbourne’s population grows, so will the demand for reliable air cargo services, and this expansion ensures the airport can meet these future needs.
Melbourne’s curfew-free operations already give freight services around-the-clock flexibility, valued at $6.5 billion annually and supporting over 58,000 jobs. The third runway will build on this, allowing seamless freight movement day and night.
With rising air freight demand and the growth of e-commerce, the third runway will help maintain Melbourne’s competitiveness. New direct routes to key markets like Asia, North America, and the Middle East will further boost opportunities for Victorian exporters.
Melbourne Airport moved 205 million tonnes of freight in 2022, valued at $22 billion. The new runway will help meet rising demand for imports and exports, directly benefiting industries like dairy, meat, seafood, and pharmaceuticals. This expansion positions Melbourne to better compete with other Australian airports, ensuring Victoria remains a leader in air freight logistics.