MELBOURNE, 24 February 2026 – Travellers at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) are facing a challenging Tuesday as a combination of flight cancellations and ongoing infrastructure upgrades creates significant congestion across all four terminals.
Current Flight Disruptions and Delays
As of this morning, Melbourne Airport is experiencing a “pressurised environment” with 10 confirmed flight cancellations and 126 reported delays. These disruptions are part of a broader regional trend affecting major Australian and New Zealand hubs, impacting thousands of passengers flying with Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Air New Zealand.
The delays follow a week of high-stress incidents at the airport, including a fire in Terminal 1 exactly seven days ago that forced the evacuation of 1,500 people. While operations have resumed, the backlog from recent weather events and technical issues continues to affect scheduling.
Infrastructure and Roadworks Update
Melbourne Airport has officially rolled out a new airport-wide operations management system this week to modernise infrastructure and improve coordination between airlines and ground staff. However, passengers arriving by car should allow extra travel time.
Major construction projects are currently causing changes to traffic conditions and access roads around the precinct. Airport authorities have issued a notice for this week warning of potential road delays for those using the primary drop-off and pick-up zones.
Terminal Guide and Airline Allocation
Melbourne Airport operates four distinct terminals. Passengers are advised to check their terminal carefully before arrival, as domestic operations are split across three separate buildings.
| Terminal | Primary Use | Main Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (T1) | Domestic | Qantas (Arrivals and Departures) |
| Terminal 2 (T2) | International | All International flights (e.g., JAL, Emirates, Virgin Australia) |
| Terminal 3 (T3) | Domestic | Virgin Australia |
| Terminal 4 (T4) | Budget Domestic | Jetstar, Rex, and other low-cost carriers |
Public Insights: Parking and Safety
Recent feedback from regular commuters highlights increasing frustration with parking availability. The T2 international garage is frequently reaching capacity by mid-morning, leading many to recommend off-site options like SkyPark or ParkExpress for last-minute bookings.
Safety warnings have also been circulated regarding the busy pick-up zones. Travellers are reminded to ensure vehicles are fully parked before loading luggage, following a recent serious incident in the Tullamarine loading area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive for my flight today?
Due to the 126 reported delays and ongoing roadworks, it is recommended that domestic passengers arrive at least 2 hours before departure, and international passengers arrive 3 to 4 hours prior to their flight.
Is there a shuttle between terminals?
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are located within the same building complex and are easily walkable. Terminal 4 is a short, covered walk from Terminal 3. No shuttle is required to move between these areas.
Where can I find flight status updates?
Real-time updates are available via the Melbourne Airport live flight tracker or through individual airline apps. Given the current high rate of cancellations, passengers should check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Are there any new international routes?
Yes, Virgin Australia has recently expanded its long-haul network from Melbourne, now operating daily direct services to Doha, providing increased connectivity to Europe and the Middle East.