Melbourne Airport (MEL)
History, Facts and Overview

(Melbourne, VIC, Australia)

Established in July of 1970, Melbourne Airport was built to replace the neighbouring Essendon Airport, which was currently operated in the city's northerly suburb of Strathmore.

Originally known as Tullamarine Airport, and still often referred to locally as 'Tulla', Melbourne Airport was built to satisfy the need for bigger runways capable of accommodating the large Boeing 747 aircraft and planes of similar proportions. The airport continues to be improved and has recently been updated to allow the next generation of Airbus planes to operate here.


Melbourne Airport offers a range of modern amenities, which include shops such as 'Duty Free' and 'FIRST Tax'. An array of restaurants and bars are also to be found within the airport and provide everything from simple snacks to fine dining, with notable venues such as the Hightide Lounge, Stratosphere and the popular Fly Bar, which is sited next to Gate 5 in the departures area of Terminal 3.

Business facilities at Melbourne Airport come in a number of guises, including banking branches, nearby conference facilities at the Hilton Hotel along Arrivals Drive, and various onsite meeting rooms and lounges. There is even an adjacent 18-hole golf club for businessmen looking to unwind. The 'Melbourne Airport Golf Club' stands next to the north / south runway and comes complete with putting green and professional shop.