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If you are planning to collect someone from Melbourne Airport in 2026, it is worth checking the latest pickup arrangements before heading out. Melbourne Airport is changing the way passengers are collected from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 as part of the Naarm Way project.
The changes are designed to make airport access easier, reduce congestion and create more space for vehicles picking up arriving passengers. However, during the transition, travellers may encounter temporary diversions and construction activity.
Here is what you need to know before your next Melbourne airport pickup.
The biggest change is the introduction of a new T123 Transport Hub for passengers using Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
The new facility is expected to open in late 2026 and will include dedicated pickup and drop-off areas. It will have a direct connection from the Tullamarine Freeway, making it easier for drivers to reach the airport without navigating the existing forecourt arrangements.
The new pickup area will be on Level 2, while the dedicated drop-off area will be on Level 3.
Melbourne Airport says the new pickup zone will have around 100 spaces, more than doubling the existing pickup capacity. The new zones will also be free to use for the designated short pickup and drop-off periods.
The new T123 Transport Hub is intended for:
Terminal 4 will continue to operate separately for Jetstar and Rex passengers. Its existing transport hub arrangements will remain in place.
This means knowing the airline and terminal of the arriving passenger is more important than ever. Before leaving home, confirm the flight number and terminal rather than relying only on the airline name.
The airport is still operating its existing pickup arrangements while construction continues.
For Terminals 1, 2 and 3, current public pickup areas are on the ground level of the T123 forecourt. Melbourne Airport advises drivers to follow the airport signs for T123 pickup when approaching from the Tullamarine Freeway.
Because construction is taking place around the terminal forecourt, travellers should allow additional time. Melbourne Airport recommends adding around 30 minutes to journey times during the Naarm Way works.
Checking the airport's latest traffic and pickup information before travelling can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
One of the easiest ways to create congestion is arriving too early and repeatedly driving around the terminal.
If your passenger has not yet collected their luggage or cleared the arrivals area, use the airport's designated waiting facilities instead of stopping in a pickup lane.
Melbourne Airport has a free wait zone on Mercer Drive. It is intended for drivers who arrive before their passenger is ready and provides a safer alternative to circling the airport. The wait zone is free for the first 60 minutes.
Once your passenger is ready, you can proceed toward the appropriate pickup area.
Taxi and rideshare arrangements are separate from general public pickup.
Melbourne Airport currently has dedicated taxi and Uber ranks, including a split rank outside Terminal 2 for international arrivals. The airport has also introduced additional taxi and Uber zones to make these services easier to access.
Under the planned late-2026 arrangement, taxis and Uber vehicles will continue using designated areas rather than the new general public pickup zone. Melbourne Airport's current guidance says taxi and Uber pickups will remain on the ground-level airport forecourt.
If you are using rideshare, always check the pickup location shown in the app rather than assuming it is the same as the public pickup area.
For families, business travellers and visitors unfamiliar with Melbourne Airport, arranging a professional chauffeur service Melbourne in advance can make the arrival process easier.
Instead of asking someone to drive into an unfamiliar pickup area while monitoring the flight, a pre-booked chauffeur can coordinate the journey around the passenger's arrival.
When comparing providers, check whether they offer:
These details can matter more than simply choosing the cheapest transfer option.
A few simple steps can make airport collection considerably easier.
Check the latest arrival time before starting your journey. International and domestic flights can arrive earlier or later than scheduled.
Make sure you know whether your passenger is arriving at T1, T2, T3 or T4. This can determine where you need to go.
Pickup areas are designed for short stops, not extended waiting. If your passenger is still inside the terminal, use a designated waiting area.
Your passenger may need to contact you after collecting luggage. Keep your phone charged and make sure you can receive calls or messages.
During construction, routes may change temporarily. Follow the latest signs and instructions from airport staff rather than relying entirely on an old map or previous experience.
Once the new T123 Transport Hub opens, passengers using Terminals 1, 2 and 3 will have access to larger dedicated pickup and drop-off areas.
The airport expects the new arrangement to provide more capacity and improve traffic flow while allowing expansion work to continue around the international terminal.
However, airport projects can involve temporary changes, so it is sensible to check Melbourne Airport's official pickup information close to the date of travel.
The Melbourne Airport pickup process is changing in 2026, particularly for passengers using Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The new T123 Transport Hub is expected to provide more pickup capacity and a clearer connection from the Tullamarine Freeway.
Until the new facilities open, construction and temporary traffic changes may affect your journey. Plan ahead, confirm the terminal, use designated waiting areas and check the latest airport instructions before travelling.
For travellers who prefer a more organised arrival, booking a professional chauffeur service Melbourne can also remove much of the uncertainty from airport transfers.
The most important thing is simple: don't rely on where you picked someone up last year. Melbourne Airport's pickup arrangements are changing, so check the current information before every journey.
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