Virgin Australia has begun upgrading its domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport. Major construction work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the full renovation scheduled for completion by mid-2019.
The upgrade introduces a new Premium Entry for business class and Platinum and Gold Velocity Frequent Flyer members, offering dedicated check-in, baggage drop and security screening facilities to speed and simplify the pre-flight experience.
Several improvements are already being rolled out ahead of the project’s final stage. Last month the airline installed check-in kiosks in the boarding area and added new service pods and desks. Virgin Australia says most of its automatic baggage drop machines will be operational by the end of the year.
Additional staff have been deployed to assist passengers as the works progress through the terminal. “We also want to move our ground crew into more of a concierge-style role, where they are brought out from behind the counters and are able to better assist the needs of our passengers,” said Rob Sharp, Virgin Australia Airlines group executive.
Simon Gandy, Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation, described the project as a key improvement for travelers: “This is an instrumental project that will streamline and dramatically enhance the check-in experience for Virgin Australia’s guests flying from T3. It marks the commencement of the broader development plans we have with Virgin Australia for Terminal 3 and importantly it integrates with the wider development works underway throughout the airport.”
The upgraded facilities aim to reduce queues, improve passenger flow and increase convenience for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike. By combining automated self-service options with a more visible, customer-focused ground crew, the terminal expects to deliver faster processing times and a smoother journey from arrival at the airport to boarding.
As construction continues, travelers using Terminal 3 can expect phased changes and temporary adjustments to wayfinding and queuing. Melbourne Airport and Virgin Australia have emphasised that the changes are being managed to minimise disruption, with clear signage and staff direction to help passengers navigate the area safely and efficiently.
When fully complete, the refurbished terminal will feature enhanced self-service technology, dedicated premium facilities and improved customer service touchpoints designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. These upgrades form part of a broader effort by Virgin Australia and Melbourne Airport to modernise facilities and respond to growing passenger demand at the domestic terminal.