The owners of Melbourne Airport has announced the proposed investment of $300 million to construct a fourth terminal.  The new terminal will be south of existing terminals in the area of the current Tiger Airways terminal

Subject to planning approvals it is proposed to commence construction in October 2012 with the new terminal open for business by July 2014.

Upon completition the new terminal will cover an area of 35 000 square metres and is designed to cater for up to 20 million passengers per annum.  There will be 35 additional aircraft parking areas and the construction of aircraft taxi lanes to accomodate future growth.  As part of the works there will be an upgrade of the airport road network and the provison of additional car parking areas and access for other services such as taxis, shuttle buses and public transport.

In related news Melbourne Airport announced International passenger growth was up 5.5% in February 2012 when compared to February 2011.  A total of 530 000 International passengers passed through the airport in the month of February 2012.  Domestic passengers increased by 2.5% in February 2012 over February 2011.

http://melbourneairport.com.au/News-Events/Listing/Overview/southern-precinct-project-to-boost-domestic-aviation-growth.html

http://melbourneairport.com.au/News-Events/Listing/Overview/international-passenger-growth-up-by-55percent-in-february-2012.html

for copies of media release.