Melbourne Airport — Melbourne, Australia
← Looking for a different airport? Search hereThe airport code for Melbourne Airport (Melbourne) is MEL — its ICAO code is YMML.
Distance & flight time from MEL
Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport (MEL), also widely known as Tullamarine after the suburb where it sits, ranks as Australia's second-busiest airport behind Sydney and serves as a major base for Qantas and its budget subsidiary Jetstar. Unlike most large international airports, MEL has historically lacked a direct passenger rail connection to the city center, with travelers relying instead on dedicated SkyBus coach services and taxis, though a long-discussed rail link has been in various stages of planning and construction. The airport operates around the clock without a curfew, a rarity among Australian airports that makes it attractive for long-haul international arrivals and freight operations at all hours. MEL handles nonstop flights to North America, Asia, and the Middle East, complementing Melbourne's status as one of Australia's two dominant metropolitan centers, with onward European and African connections typically routed through Gulf or Asian hub airports. Multiple terminals split domestic and international traffic across the growing complex.
Runways at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/27 | 7500 ft (2286 m) | 148 ft (45 m) | ASP |
| 16/34 | 11998 ft (3657 m) | 197 ft (60 m) | ASP |
Radio frequencies for Melbourne Airport (MEL)
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | Melbourne Approach | 132 MHz |
| ATIS | YMML ATIS | 118 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 127.2 MHz |
| DEP | Melbourne Departures (to north) | 118.9 MHz |
| DEP | Melbourne Departures (to south) | 129.4 MHz |
| GND | Melbourne ground | 121.7 MHz |
| TWR | Melbourne Tower | 120.5 MHz |
Airports near Melbourne Airport (MEL)
- Melbourne Essendon Airport (MEB) — 8.5 km (5.3 mi)
- Melbourne Moorabbin Airport (MBW) — 41.2 km (25.6 mi)
- Melbourne Avalon International Airport (AVV) — 52.4 km (32.6 mi)
- Shepparton Airport (SHT) — 146.6 km (91.1 mi)
- Latrobe Valley Airport (TGN) — 155.3 km (96.5 mi)
- Benalla Airport (BLN) — 161.9 km (100.6 mi)
- Ararat Airport (ARY) — 168.0 km (104.4 mi)
- Echuca Airport (ECH) — 168.4 km (104.6 mi)
MEL operates 24 hours without a curfew, relies on SkyBus coaches rather than rail for city transfers, and sits in the suburb of Tullamarine northwest of the CBD.
FAQ
What is the IATA code for Melbourne Airport?
The IATA code for Melbourne Airport is MEL.
What is the ICAO code for Melbourne Airport?
The ICAO code for Melbourne Airport is YMML. IATA codes are 3 letters used for baggage tags and booking; ICAO codes are 4 letters used by air traffic control and pilots.