By Tate Papworth
Public exhibition of Melbourne Airport’s plans for a third runway has been temporarily grounded.
The plans were due to go on public display at the beginning of next month, but the airport last week advised it will happen next year following recent planning changes and a failure to meet internal deadlines.
Australia Pacific Airports Melbourne chief of aviation Simon Gandy said a specific date had yet to be set.
“Writing a major development plan is a consultative process that sees us working closely with stakeholders, from regulators to airline customers to the local community,” he said.
“It’s important that the plan is thorough to ensure it’s based on the best, most accurate information available – so we’re taking the appropriate time to get it right.
“Following initial feedback and some recent planning changes, we want to
take the time to ensure that this information is incorporated into the planning and development of this critical asset.”
The airport said it was reaching capacity on its current crossing runway system and by 2020 demand from airlines would exceed capacity.
In 2016-17, Melbourne Airport experienced 117 weekdays with on-time morning peak performance of 75 per cent or less.
