Work has begun on the first stage of Melbourne's Airport Rail Link, as Melbourne Airport separately announces a $4.5 billion expansion of its international terminal.
The first stage of the Airport Rail Link project will establish a transport "superhub" for suburban, airport and regional passengers at Sunshine, deliver more than six kilometres of new and upgraded rail line between West Footscray and Albion, and redevelop Tottenham Station. These works form the enabling infrastructure for the future Melbourne Airport rail connection.
Early designs for the Sunshine superhub were released on 25 February, with consultation now open. These designs feature a new station entrance canopy, two new regional (V/Line) train platforms, a new pedestrian and cycling link over the rail line, new open spaces and an upgraded bus interchange.
Detailed planning and design work for Tottenham Station is now underway. Early designs for this station are expected to be released in 2026, and construction is anticipated to commence in 2027. The first stage is supported by more than $4 billion in funding from the Australian and Victorian governments.
Separately on 25 February, Melbourne Airport announced a $4.5 billion staged expansion of its international terminal as a privately funded project. As part of the overall project, international check-in and baggage claim halls will be expanded, and five new gates will be added to the existing international pier.
New pick-up and drop-off zones are planned to open at the airport in September 2026, enabling the international terminal to expand into the existing forecourt.
