Melbourne Airport is preparing for a significant upgrade, and travellers can expect a far better experience. The headline change is the long‑awaited departure from the drab, windowless Qantas Business Lounge hidden away on Level 1 of Terminal 2. In its place, Qantas will introduce a brand‑new Melbourne International Business Lounge designed to elevate the airport’s premium offering.
The new lounge will sit above the terminal, giving passengers sweeping airfield views and a brighter, more spacious environment. With a larger footprint, it will comfortably accommodate more travellers while delivering a modern, premium pre‑departure experience.
This development forms part of a long‑term commercial agreement between Melbourne Airport and the Qantas Group. Alongside the lounge, the partnership includes plans for a major terminal expansion and the construction of a third runway, transformations set to reshape the airport’s future.
The announcement coincided with the arrival if the fist A350-1000ULR in Melbourne. This is the aircraft that will be operating the Project Sunrise flights.
A New Business Lounge for Premium Travellers
The new lounge promises to be a dramatic improvement over the current basement‑level experience. That said, the announcement of the new lounge was a bit thin on detail. However, Qantas is promising:
- Elevated location above Terminal 2 with panoramic views
- Significantly expanded floor space to accommodate rising demand
- A modern design tailored for business travellers and Frequent Flyers
According to Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus:
The new Qantas International Business Lounge will deliver significant improvements for their premium customers and will boast one of the best views at the airport.
That said, it will be a bit of a wait. Qantas says the new lounge and fit‑out are expected to be completed by 2029.
Terminal Expansion to Support More Flights
Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport and the Qantas Group have reached a long‑term commercial agreement that supports the airport’s $4.5 billion international terminal expansion. This will see five new widebody gates will be added, enabling more Qantas and Jetstar international services.
Jetstar, already operating nearly 1,000 flights per week at peak periods, will also gain room to grow, reinforcing Melbourne as its largest hub.
Faster Check‑In, Smoother Arrivals
Travellers will also benefit from:
- Streamlined international check‑in with upgraded premium zones
- New automatic bag drops powered by a state‑of‑the‑art baggage system
- An expanded baggage reclaim hall for quicker arrivals
- More space for Australian Border Force, reducing bottlenecks
These upgrades aim to make Melbourne Australia’s most efficient 24‑hour international gateway.
Looking Ahead: Melbourne’s Third Runway
The agreement includes a 15‑year commitment to Melbourne Airport’s long‑planned third runway, scheduled to open in 2031, supporting long‑term growth and reducing delays.
The Bottom Line
All things considered, Melbourne Airport is preparing for a major transformation, and the new Qantas International Business Lounge is the centrepiece for premium travellers. It’s the long‑awaited escape from the basement with the promise of real views.
