In preparation for the new Pick Up and Drop Off zones at Melbourne Airport (MEL), the Tullamarine Freeway will be closed overnight to facilitate the installation of overhead road signage from 17 to 20 February 2026 .
February 10, 2026 -- In preparation for the new Pick Up and Drop Off zones at Melbourne Airport (MEL), the Tullamarine Freeway will be closed overnight to facilitate the installation of overhead road signage from 17 to 20 February 2026.
Traffic changes from 17 to 20 February 2026:
From 17 February 2026 (Tue), 10:00PM to 18 February 2026 (Wed), 5:00AM - The Tullamarine Freeway will be closed in both directions between Mickleham and Sunbury roads. Detours will be in place via Sharps Road and Airport Drive.
From 19 February 2026 (Thu), 9:00PM to 20 February 2026 (Fri), 5:00AM - The Tullamarine Freeway will be closed airport-bound at the Mickleham Road bridge. Detours will be in place via the Mickleham Road on-ramp and off-ramp.
Temporary lane closures and speed reductions on the Tullamarine Freeway in both directions near the airport will be in place before, between and after the works. Detours will be available for travellers commuting to and from the airport, including Sunbury. Directional signage will be installed as guidance.
At a glance
- Company
- AirAsia
- Location
- Melbourne Airport, Australia
Key figures
- First freeway closure
- 17 February 2026, 10:00PM to 18 February 2026, 5:00AM
- Second freeway closure
- 19 February 2026, 9:00PM to 20 February 2026, 5:00AM
- Recommended airport arrival
- at least three (3) hours before scheduled departure
- Additional journey time
- 20 minutes
- Check-in counter closing time
- one (1) hour before scheduled departure
- Self check-in availability
- 10 days up to one (1) hour before departure
Products and programs
Guests are advised to allow additional travel time to MEL to avoid potential traffic delays. Arriving early is essential, with guests recommended to be at the airport at least three (3) hours before their scheduled departure time. Guests are also advised to allow an additional 20 minutes for their journey to the airport during this period.
Check-in counters at MEL will close one (1) hour before the scheduled departure time. Guests are encouraged to complete self check-in via the AirAsia MOVE app, available from 10 days up to one (1) hour before departure for flights to/from Australia.
For more information on the road closures, please refer to here.
Guests may check their flight status at airasia.com/flightstatus, and get the latest travel updates and important information on the AirAsia MOVE app or at airasia.com.
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In brief
AirAsia is advising passengers travelling to or from Melbourne Airport to plan for overnight Tullamarine Freeway closures from 17 to 20 February 2026. The closures are scheduled to support installation of overhead signs for new airport pick-up and drop-off zones. The company says detours and temporary lane restrictions will affect routes near the airport, with directions posted along the way. It recommends that departing passengers allow extra time for the drive, arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, and add 20 minutes to their airport journey during the works. MEL check-in counters close one hour before departure. AirAsia also says eligible passengers can use its MOVE app for self check-in, available from 10 days until one hour before departure on flights to or from Australia.
Key takeaways
- Overnight freeway closures are planned for 17–20 February 2026 to enable airport signage installation.
- AirAsia advises passengers to add 20 minutes to their airport journey and arrive at least three hours before departure.
- Detours will be in place, with temporary lane closures and speed reductions near Melbourne Airport.
- Passengers on Australia flights can self check in through AirAsia MOVE within the stated check-in window.
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