{{Short description|Proposed railway line in Melbourne, Victoria}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Use Australian English|date=November 2021}} {{Infobox rail line | box_width = | name = Melbourne Airport Rail | other_name = | color = | logo = Melbourne_Airport_Rail_logo.png | logo_width = 180px | logo_alt = | image = Melbourne Airport Rail link map.png | image_width = | image_alt = Map of Melbourne Airport Rail Link showing public transport in Melbourne's north-west. | caption = Map of Melbourne Airport Rail. | type = Airport rail link<br/>Commuter rail | system = Melbourne railway system | status = Under construction | locale = Melbourne, Victoria | start = East Pakenham, Cranbourne | end = Melbourne Airport | stations = 2 | planopen = 2033<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jake |date=7 May 2024|title=Victorian Government Confirms Four-Year Delay for Airport Rail |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/victorian-government-confirms-four-year-delay-for-airport-rail/ |access-date=8 May 2024|website=Australian Aviation |language=en}}</ref> | event1label = | event1 = | event2label = | event2 = | event3label = | event3 = | close = | owner = VicTrack (projected) | operator = Metro Trains Melbourne (projected) | character = | depot = | stock = HCMT | linelength = {{convert|27|km|abbr=on}} | tracklength = | gauge = {{track gauge|1600mm|lk=on}} broad gauge | linenumber = | speed = | elevation = | website = | map = {{Melbourne Airport rail link RDT|inline=1}} | map_state = collapsed }}
'''Melbourne Airport Rail''' is a proposed heavy rail airport mass transit link project connecting the Melbourne central business district to Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine. The rail link will run through the existing Sunbury line and Metro Tunnel, running {{cvt|27|km|4=1}} from the airport to Town Hall station in the Melbourne city centre with {{cvt|12|km}} of new track between the airport and Sunshine station.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Rob Harris, Timna |date=20 November 2020 |title=Melbourne Airport trains will run through the Metro tunnel every 10 minutes |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-airport-trains-will-run-through-the-metro-tunnel-every-10-minutes-20201120-p56gl2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505065158/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-airport-trains-will-run-through-the-metro-tunnel-every-10-minutes-20201120-p56gl2.html |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> The project is being delivered by the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority through the Level Crossing Removal Project.<ref name=":21" />
A rail link to Melbourne Airport has been proposed since the airport opened in 1970. In 2018, the Victorian state government under then Premier Daniel Andrews announced its intention to proceed with a link running via Sunshine station, in partnership with the Australian federal government. A preliminary business case was completed later that year, and in early 2019, the federal government partially agreed to fund the project. In 2020 it was announced that the link would run through the city via the Metro Tunnel.
Early construction initially began in 2022, but the project was paused and construction delayed until 2025. In April 2023, then Deputy Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan said that due to a lack of agreement in negotiations with the airport operator, Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), over the design of the Airport station, the opening of the rail link would be delayed.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=17 April 2023 |title=Deputy premier blames Melbourne Airport for delay in completion of airport rail |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-17/melbourne-airport-rail-link-delay/102230720 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417044117/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-17/melbourne-airport-rail-link-delay/102230720 |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> In May 2023 construction contracts were paused while a federal review took place.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Ilanbey |first=Sumeyya |date=17 May 2023 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail workers redeployed as project officially paused |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-workers-redeployed-as-project-officially-paused-20230517-p5d93a.html |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603103842/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-workers-redeployed-as-project-officially-paused-20230517-p5d93a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> An independent mediator was appointed in April 2024 by the federal government to resolve the ongoing dispute between the state government and the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Godde |first=Callum |date=10 April 2024|title=Mediator picked to resolve Melbourne Airport rail spat |url=https://www.aap.com.au/news/mediator-appointed-to-end-melbourne-airport-rail-fight/#:~:text=Former%20Queensland%20transport%20department%20director,stalled%20airport%20rail%20link%20moving. |access-date=12 May 2024|website=Australian Associated Press|language=en}}</ref> In July 2024, Melbourne Airport agreed to an elevated airport station rather than an underground one.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Eddie |first1=Rachel |last2=Rooney |first2=Kieran |date=8 July 2024 |title=Melbourne Airport agrees to have overground train station, clearing path for rail link |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-agrees-to-have-overground-train-station-clearing-path-for-rail-link-20240707-p5jrno.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709232854/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-agrees-to-have-overground-train-station-clearing-path-for-rail-link-20240707-p5jrno.html |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=The Age}}</ref>
In 2025 the federal and state governments recommitted to the project and it resumed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-03-20 |title=MoU a 'significant' commitment to Melbourne Airport Rail Link, govt says |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-20/melbourne-airport-rail-link-memorandum-of-understanding/105074492 |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2025-02-26 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail back on track |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/melbourne-airport-rail-back-on-track |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> Works are expected to begin in 2026 on a first stage to rebuild tracks around Sunshine station, with this stage planned to be complete by 2030.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2025-05-23 |title=Sunshine Superhub project progressing |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/sunshine-superhub-project-progressing |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>
== Background == {{see also|Melbourne Airport#History}} Melbourne Airport is located {{convert|23|km|mi|1}} north-west of the Melbourne City Centre adjacent to the industrial suburb of Tullamarine. In the 2016–17 financial year, 34.8 million passengers and 237,000 aircraft movements were recorded, making it the second-busiest airport in Australia by passenger numbers.<ref name="BITRE data">{{cite web|title=MELBOURNE – TOTAL PASSENGER MOVEMENTS – Financial Years|url=https://bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/files/WebAirport_FY_1986-2017.xls|website=Airport Traffic Data 1985–86 to 2016–17|publisher=Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics|access-date=23 January 2018|date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324180211/https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/files/WebAirport_FY_1986-2011.xls|archive-date=24 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The airport is served by the Tullamarine Freeway, which connects to the Melbourne city centre via the CityLink tollway. An express bus service, SkyBus, connects the airport to Southern Cross railway station, a main railway terminus, with a 20–40 minute travel time and various private bus services also serve the airport precinct. SmartBus route 901 connects to Broadmeadows railway station with a one-hour journey time to the CBD at regular public transport fares.<ref name="TripAdvisor">{{cite web|title=Melbourne: Arriving & Departing – TripAdvisor|url=https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel-g255100-s301/Melbourne:Australia:Arriving.And.Departing.html|website=TripAdvisor Australia|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417110119/https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel-g255100-s301/Melbourne:Australia:Arriving.And.Departing.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
== History == === 20th century === With the appointment of a panel to examine the aviation needs of the growing city of Melbourne in 1958, and its recommendation of a site at Tullamarine on the city's north-western outskirts in 1959, the earliest suggestions for a railway line were made by stakeholders in the new facility's success. The City Development Association proposed connecting any new airport to the public transport as early as 1958, and Trans Australia Airlines proposed tunnelling directly between the CBD and the airport when the site was announced. Reg Ansett, however, another direct beneficiary of the new airport, envisioned helicopters and freeways becoming the primary modes of transport for passengers and staff.<ref name="Age Dec 2012">{{cite news|last1=Chandu|first1=Arun|title=Wait for train to Tullamarine now 55 years|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/wait-for-train-to-tullamarine-now-55-years-20121230-2c1c1.html|access-date=12 April 2018|work=The Age|date=30 December 2012|language=en|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200654/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/wait-for-train-to-tullamarine-now-55-years-20121230-2c1c1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first legislative attempt at a rail link to the new airport was made in 1965, while it was still under construction. Under the Liberal state government led by Henry Bolte, Minister for Transport Edward Meagher introduced the ''Glenroy Tullamarine Rail Construction Bill 1965'' to the state parliament, proposing the construction of a link between the Broadmeadows line at Glenroy and the new "jetport". During the bill's reading in the Lower House, Meagher estimated the new line's cost at £1.5 million, and suggested that it ought to be constructed in conjunction with a third track into the city along the existing line, works which formed part of the Victorian Railways 10-year strategic plan at the time.<ref name="Hansard 25 Mar 1964">{{cite book|last1=Meagher|first1=Edward|title=Debates|date=25 March 1964|publisher=Legislative Assembly|location=Victoria|page=3397|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/historical_hansard/VicHansard_19640318_19640407.pdf|access-date=12 April 2018|chapter=Questions: Tullamarine jetport: rail link, capital cost|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417022839/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/historical_hansard/VicHansard_19640318_19640407.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The bill was focused on acquiring land and protecting the reservation for a future railway line in the interests of cost savings, and Meagher acknowledged that construction could not be justified at least until the airport had opened. However, opposing parties voted against the bill on the basis that such a railway would never be economically viable, instead suggesting a branch from the Albion–Jacana freight line in order to extend public transport option to the growing north-western suburbs. Nevertheless, the plan did reach the Upper House, where it was referred to a committee for further evaluation, but the parliamentary session lapsed before any further action was taken, and subsequent rounds of railway funding did not include any related works.{{sfn|Aroozoo|2017|pp=4–6}}
In the decades following the opening of Melbourne Airport, a number of proposals for mass transit links to the CBD emerged, many of which came from private investors and utilised emergent or unconventional technologies. One such proposal, Aerotrain, was presented by a consortium which had received the backing of the French government in the early 1970s to construct a monorail from Paris to Pontoise. The company proposed a similar system for Melbourne, and a feasibility study was conducted, which found the technology had a significant cost advantage over traditional heavy rail. The company's efforts were stymied by the French government's withdrawal of support in 1974 and the death of its leader in 1975, and no further progress eventuated.{{sfn|Aroozoo|2017|pp=5–6}}
=== Development of Sunshine route === The Liberal state government led by Jeff Kennett reserved land for an extension of what was then the Broadmeadows line to the airport via Westmeadows.<ref name="Age Nov 2010">{{cite news|last1=Lucas|first1=Clay|title=Baillieu revives airport rail link|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/baillieu-revives-airport-rail-link-20101114-17spg.html|access-date=16 April 2018|work=The Age|date=14 November 2010|language=en|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417192036/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/baillieu-revives-airport-rail-link-20101114-17spg.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, in 2001, the Bracks government investigated the construction of a heavy rail link to the airport under the Linking Victoria programme. Two options were considered; the first branched off the Craigieburn line to the east, and the second branched off the Albion–Jacana freight line, which passes close to the airport's boundary to the south. The second option was preferred.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Melbourne Airport Rail Link Not Viable Now|publisher=Minister for Transport|date=18 January 2002|url=http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/15957d548af147904a256b4a008163bf?OpenDocument|access-date=30 June 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004053913/http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/15957d548af147904a256b4a008163bf?OpenDocument|archive-date=4 October 2008}}</ref> Market research concluded most passengers preferred travelling to the airport by taxi or car, and poor patronage of similar links in Sydney and Brisbane cast doubt on the viability of the project.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/06/03/1148956582240.html?page=fullpage|title=Why can't this train get us to the airport?|date=4 June 2006|work=The Age|location=Melbourne, Australia|access-date=29 July 2008|archive-date=5 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105153437/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/06/03/1148956582240.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to the project being deferred until at least 2012. On 21 July 2008, the Premier Steve Bracks reaffirmed the government's commitment to a rail link and said that it would be considered within three to five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Surge in passenger demand prompts call for Airport rail link|work=Herald Sun|location=Australia|date=22 July 2008|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24057028-661,00.html|access-date=23 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802170722/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C24057028-661%2C00.html|archive-date=2 August 2008}}</ref> To maximise future development options, the airport lobbied for the on-grounds section of the railway to be underground.<ref name="draftmasterplan">{{cite web|title=2008 Draft Master Plan|publisher=Melbourne Airport|date=28 April 2008|url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/MelbourneAirport_MasterPlan2008.pdf|access-date=30 June 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325112840/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/downloads/pdfs/MelbourneAirport_MasterPlan2008.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ferguson|first=John|title=Melbourne airport seeks underground train line|work=Herald Sun|location=Australia|date=29 April 2008|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23614070-661,00.html|access-date=30 June 2008|archive-date=12 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212030621/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23614070-661,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Maribyrnong River viaduct bridge.jpg|alt=The Albion Viaduct over the Maribyrnong River|thumb|The Sunshine route would run next to the Albion Viaduct, requiring a second rail bridge next to the existing trestle rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River.]]
In 2010, Martin Pakula of the Labor Party, newly appointed Minister for Public Transport, announced that the rail link had been taken off the agenda with new freeway options being explored instead,<ref name="theage.com.au">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/airport-road-wont-cope-with-demand-study-shows-20100228-pb7g.html|location=Melbourne, Australia|work=The Age|title=Airport road won't cope with demand, study shows|first=Clay|last=Lucas|date=1 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-airport-link-proposed-20091111-i9yn.html|work=The Age|location=Melbourne, Australia|title=New airport link proposed|first=Clay|last=Lucas|date=12 November 2009|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-date=19 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119004530/http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-airport-link-proposed-20091111-i9yn.html|url-status=live}}</ref> however a change of government at the 2010 Victorian state election to Liberals, saw policy for the introduction of the rail link return to the agenda, with a promise by the incoming Coalition government to undertake planning for its construction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vic.liberal.org.au/News/MediaReleases/tabid/159/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2442/COALITION-WILL-PLAN-MELB-AIRPORT-RAIL-LINK.aspx|location=Melbourne|work=Liberal Party Victoria|title=COALITION WILL PLAN MELB AIRPORT RAIL LINK|first=Simon|last=Troeth|date=15 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310191213/http://www.vic.liberal.org.au/News/MediaReleases/tabid/159/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2442/COALITION-WILL-PLAN-MELB-AIRPORT-RAIL-LINK.aspx|archive-date=10 March 2012}}</ref> Proposals in January 2013 to improve the bus service to the airport involving turning emergency lanes into bus lanes on the freeway and the Bolte Bridge and allowing Myki to be used on SkyBus services were challenged by CityLink operator Transurban, because it would limit its toll revenue, and by Melbourne Airport, because it would reduce its car parking profits.<ref name="theageJan2013">[http://www.traveller.com.au/skybus-lane-faces-fight-2c7ib SkyBus lane faces fight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612152130/http://www.traveller.com.au/skybus-lane-faces-fight-2c7ib |date=12 June 2018 }} ''Traveller'' 4 January 2013</ref> Similar objections would apply to a rail link.
On 13 March 2013, the Victorian Liberal government under then Premier, Denis Napthine, announced that the Melbourne Airport Rail Link would be constructed around 2015/16 running from the CBD via Sunshine station and the Albion–Jacana freight line.<ref>{{cite web |title=Route chosen for Melbourne airport link |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/route-chosen-for-melbourne-airport-link/story-e6frg13c-1226596692140 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410110704/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/route-chosen-for-melbourne-airport-link/story-e6frg13c-1226596692140 |archive-date=10 April 2013 |access-date=19 March 2013 |work=Perth Now}}</ref> This proposal never became a reality, with the Napthine Government losing office to the Labor Party at the 2014 state election.
A 2013 study conducted by PTV assessed over 80 options in addition to the Albion East "base case" developed by previous planning work. Ultimately, four options were shortlisted and recommended for further analysis.<ref name="2013 Study">{{cite web |author1=Public Transport Victoria |year=2013 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study |url=https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/siteassets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Feasibility-Studies/Melbourne-Airport-Rail-Link-Study-Overview-brochure.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415085501/https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/siteassets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Feasibility-Studies/Melbourne-Airport-Rail-Link-Study-Overview-brochure.pdf |archive-date=15 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> These four options were eventually presented in 2018 by the federal government during its announcement of funds, on the understanding that a preliminary business case to be completed in September that year would recommend one of the options.<ref name="Age route options Apr 2018">{{cite news |last1=Lucas |first1=Clay |last2=Jacks |first2=Timna |date=12 April 2018 |title=What's my line? Route dispute could delay airport rail by five years |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/what-s-my-line-route-dispute-could-delay-airport-rail-by-five-years-20180412-p4z99u.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200518/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/what-s-my-line-route-dispute-could-delay-airport-rail-by-five-years-20180412-p4z99u.html |archive-date=16 April 2018 |access-date=16 April 2018 |work=The Age |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Sunshine/Albion East route:''' The Albion East route used existing passenger rail alignments from the city centre to Albion via Sunshine. It then followed the Albion–Jacana line alignment, used primarily for freight traffic, before following a new reservation north-west to the airport. This route was identified as the preferred option by the 2013 PTV study.<ref name="2013 Study" /><ref name="Age routes Apr 2018">{{cite news |last1=Lucas |first1=Clay |date=12 April 2018 |title=Airport rail routes: The pros and cons |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/airport-rail-routes-the-pros-and-cons-20180412-p4z97u.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417191929/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/airport-rail-routes-the-pros-and-cons-20180412-p4z97u.html |archive-date=17 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |work=The Age |language=en}}</ref> * '''Direct tunnel:''' This route used an entirely new alignment, constructed as a tunnel between the city centre and the above-ground reservation used by the Albion East route, from which point it continued to the airport. This route provided the fastest travel time to the airport of the four shortlisted routes. The tunnel potentially travelled via the Victoria University campus at Footscray, Highpoint Shopping Centre and the site of the former Department of Defence munitions factory at Maribyrnong. Although this option was the most expensive among the short-listed routes, and was therefore not recommended by the PTV study, it was the preferred option of the federal government because of its potential to service a new housing estate on the Defence site.<ref name="2013 Study" /><ref name="Age routes Apr 2018" /> * '''Flemington:''' This route branched from the Flemington Racecourse line ran via Milleara Road, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Flemington. * '''Craigieburn:''' This route was a branch of the Craigieburn line via Attwood, Coolaroo, Broadmeadows. This route was originally suggested in the 1960s, and was the cheapest due to being able to utilise existing land reservations to build above ground. However, it could cause longer delays on level crossings along the Craigieburn line from extra services.<ref name="Age routes Apr 2018" />
=== Andrews government proposal === {{Daniel Andrews sidebar}}From the mid-2010s, following the construction of the Regional Rail Link, some advocates suggested an airport rail link should run via the regional rail network. A 2016 report by advocacy group the Rail Futures Institute recommended using a new diversion of the Bendigo and Seymour lines to serve the airport at the same time as segregating the regional lines from metropolitan services.<ref name="Age Sep 2016">{{cite news|last1=Gray|first1=Darren|title=New rail plan calls for 200km/h trains and 'fast line' to Melbourne Airport|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-rail-plan-calls-for-200kmh-trains-and-fast-line-to-melbourne-airport-20160904-gr8ie8.html|access-date=12 April 2018|work=The Age|date=4 September 2016|language=en|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200542/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-rail-plan-calls-for-200kmh-trains-and-fast-line-to-melbourne-airport-20160904-gr8ie8.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ABC Sep 2016">{{cite news|title=Rail report calls for faster trains in country Victoria|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-05/rail-report-calls-for-200-kilometre-per-hour-trains/7813682|access-date=12 April 2018|work=ABC Gippsland|date=5 September 2016|language=en-AU|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420081927/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-05/rail-report-calls-for-200-kilometre-per-hour-trains/7813682|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015 and 2016, the Andrews government decided to shelve the Airport rail link proposal and instead focus on inner city rail projects such as the Melbourne Metro Rail Project. The airport line was excluded from the Metro Tunnel's eventual 2016 business case, with Public Transport Victoria (PTV) recognising the tunnel's entire capacity would be needed to serve the Sunbury line, as well as the Melton line when that becomes electrified; planners recommended that any airport link would require new capacity into the city.<ref name="Age Mar 2017">{{cite news|last1=Carey|first1=Adam|title=Government warned Melbourne Metro won't support future airport rail link|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/government-warned-melbourne-metro-wont-support-future-airport-rail-link-20170329-gv936p.html|access-date=12 April 2018|work=The Age|date=29 March 2017|language=en|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417191843/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/government-warned-melbourne-metro-wont-support-future-airport-rail-link-20170329-gv936p.html|url-status=live}}</ref> But after pressure from the Coalition Federal Governments of Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull to plan for a proposal, the Andrews Government announced in May 2017 that it would spend $10 million along with the Turnbull government’s $30 million to devise a rail link planning study. On 23 November 2017, Premier Daniel Andrews told business groups that construction on a rail link between the Airport and Melbourne's Southern Cross station via Sunshine station would begin construction within the next 10 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-23/melbourne-airport-rail-link-could-be-well-underway-by-2026/9182036|location=Melbourne|work=ABC News|title=Melbourne Airport rail link building to start within decade, Premier Daniel Andrews says|first=Richard|last=Willingham|date=23 November 2017|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-date=22 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122220010/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-23/melbourne-airport-rail-link-could-be-well-underway-by-2026/9182036|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 12 April 2018, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull committed $5 billion for the rail link.<ref name=":16" /> He stated that the Victorian Government would also have to match Federal funding.<ref name=":16">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-11/melbourne-airport-rail-link-gets-$5bn-from-federal-government/9643054|location=Melbourne|work=ABC News|title=Melbourne Airport train link: Malcolm Turnbull pledges $5 billion for long-awaited rail line to CBD|first=Richard|last=Willingham|date=12 April 2018|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412064936/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-11/melbourne-airport-rail-link-gets-$5bn-from-federal-government/9643054|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 July 2018, the State Government announced that it would provide $5 billion to match Federal Government funding for the Airport rail link, allowing the project to become a reality.<ref name=":17" /> Under the state government's plan, a business case would be completed by the end of 2019 and construction would commence by 2022.<ref name=":17">Noel Towell, [https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-up-and-away-with-andrews-government-5b-pledge-20180722-p4zsvw.html "Melbourne airport rail up and away with Andrews government $5b pledge."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722010433/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-up-and-away-with-andrews-government-5b-pledge-20180722-p4zsvw.html |date=22 July 2018 }}, ''The Age'', 22 July 2018</ref> Then, in early September, the airport link featured in the state government's Suburban Rail Loop proposal, as part of an orbital line extending from Cheltenham in the city's east to Werribee in the west.<ref name="ABC 28 Aug 2018">{{cite news |last1=Willingham |first1=Richard |last2=Oaten |first2=James |title=Melbourne's $50b rail loop the 'biggest public transport project in history' |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-28/melbourne-suburban-train-loop-promised-by-labor/10172184 |access-date=29 September 2018 |work=ABC News |date=28 August 2018 |language=en-AU |archive-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001022445/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-28/melbourne-suburban-train-loop-promised-by-labor/10172184 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Later in September, a private consortium including the operators of Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross station, as well as Metro Trains Melbourne, the incumbent metropolitan rail franchisee, and IFM Investors, presented an unsolicited proposal to the government, offering to contribute $5 billion in private equity alongside the existing government contributions. The consortium, AirRail Melbourne, proposed using the funds to substantially rebuild Southern Cross, and provide dedicated tracks along the entire route via Sunshine and a new tunnel.<ref name="ABC 16 Sep 2018">{{cite news |last1=Lord |first1=Kathy |title=Public, private consortium proposes 20-minute trip to Melbourne Airport under $15b plan |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-16/melbourne-to-airport-in-20-minutes-under-new-plan/10252846 |access-date=29 September 2018 |work=ABC News |date=16 September 2018 |language=en-AU |archive-date=20 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920152556/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-16/melbourne-to-airport-in-20-minutes-under-new-plan/10252846 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Age 16 Sep 2018">{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |title=Station parking boost promised as consortium pitches airport rail link |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/station-parking-boost-promised-as-consortium-pitches-airport-rail-link-20180916-p5042n.html |access-date=29 September 2018 |work=The Age |date=16 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929155628/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/station-parking-boost-promised-as-consortium-pitches-airport-rail-link-20180916-p5042n.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Detailed planning and preferred route === The Victorian Government committed to the Sunshine option with the release of its Strategic Assessment of the route in July 2018.<ref name="2018 Sunshine Route Assessment">{{cite web |author1=Victoria State Government |year=2018 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail Link Sunshine Route Appraisal |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/318571/MARL-Sunshine-Route-Strategic-Appraisal.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041259/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/318571/MARL-Sunshine-Route-Strategic-Appraisal.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref> The Federal government under Malcolm Turnbull had pushed for the direct tunnel route through Maribyrnong, as it proposed to redevelop the unused Defence site along the Maribyrnong River into a new residential area and connect the airport to the nearby Highpoint Shopping Centre.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Millar |first1=Benjamin |date=19 April 2018 |title=Feds seek airport rail through Highpoint shopping centre |url=http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/feds-seek-airport-rail-highpoint-shopping-centre/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722095618/http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/feds-seek-airport-rail-highpoint-shopping-centre/ |archive-date=22 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |work=Star Weekly}}</ref> In 2019, under new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, both the federal and state governments backed the Sunshine route as part of their funding commitments to the project.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Towell |first=Noel |date=12 March 2019 |title=Morrison locked into airport rail link: construction to start within three years |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/morrison-locked-into-airport-rail-link-construction-to-start-within-three-years-20190312-p513my.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330031415/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/morrison-locked-into-airport-rail-link-construction-to-start-within-three-years-20190312-p513my.html |archive-date=30 March 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref>
Government planning explored a number of questions about the route, including how it would interact with the under-construction Metro Tunnel, the planned Suburban Rail Loop, and potential faster rail services to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.<ref name=":0" /> Initially the Government considered additional Sunshine-to-CBD rail capacity that could be used by faster train services to Geelong and Ballarat alongside new, electrified Metro lines to Melton and Wyndham Vale as part of the Western Rail Plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=State Government of Victoria |first=Transport for Victoria |year=2018 |title=Western Rail Plan |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/333705/Western-Rail-Plan.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307011636/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/333705/Western-Rail-Plan.pdf |archive-date=7 March 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref> In 2019, the Government indicated it did not want to build a dedicated tunnel between the CBD and Sunshine for Airport and regional trains due to cost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=30 August 2019 |title=Victorian government urged to ignore cut-price airport rail option |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victorian-government-urged-to-ignore-cut-price-airport-rail-option-20190830-p52mhd.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505070708/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victorian-government-urged-to-ignore-cut-price-airport-rail-option-20190830-p52mhd.html |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=21 November 2020 |title=Andrews defends decision to ditch airport rail tunnel proposal |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/andrews-defends-decision-to-ditch-airport-rail-tunnel-proposal-20201121-p56gnu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505070701/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/andrews-defends-decision-to-ditch-airport-rail-tunnel-proposal-20201121-p56gnu.html |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref>alt=Map showing the proposed Sunshine alignment of the Airport Rail Link|thumb|400x400px|Map showing the proposed Sunshine alignment of the Airport Rail Link, along with past rail lines, current lines and proposed lines.
In late 2020, the Victorian and federal governments announced that the Airport Rail Link would be built as a branch of the metropolitan lines that are to run through the Metro Tunnel, with trains not running to Southern Cross station but instead running into the CBD through the five new underground Metro Tunnel stations, then on towards Pakenham and Cranbourne.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Premier of Victoria |date=29 March 2021 |title=First look at long-awaited Melbourne Airport Rail |url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-look-long-awaited-melbourne-airport-rail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208072200/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-look-long-awaited-melbourne-airport-rail |archive-date=8 February 2023 |access-date=5 May 2022}}</ref> More than 30 stations will have a one-seat journey to the airport under the plan. The government also rejected a private-sector offer to build a {{Convert|7|km|abbr=on}} express tunnel from Southern Cross to West Footscray.<ref name=":2" /> Construction was planned to start in 2022 with the full line opening in 2029.<ref name=":2" /> The government also announced it was considering adding an additional station along the new line between Sunshine and the airport, near Airport West and Keilor Park.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=31 August 2021 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail designs |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505091505/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
In September 2022, the State Government released the project's business case, which found the project would return an economic benefit of $2.10 for every dollar spent.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=21 September 2022 |title=Plans released for Keilor East train station and above-ground Melbourne Airport station |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-21/melbourne-airport-above-ground-train-station-business-case/101460384 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921040639/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-21/melbourne-airport-above-ground-train-station-business-case/101460384 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |access-date=21 September 2022 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=21 September 2022 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail Business Case |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/melbourne-airport-rail/business-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921040640/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/melbourne-airport-rail/business-case |archive-date=21 September 2022 |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> Then Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan also announced that the airport station would be elevated, rather than underground, and that a new station would be added at Keilor Park in Melbourne's north-west.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Hatch |first=Josh Gordon, Patrick |date=20 September 2022 |title=Fight or flight? Conflict with airport looms after government reveals 'sky rail' plan |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fight-or-flight-conflict-with-airport-looms-after-government-reveals-sky-rail-plan-20220920-p5bjmp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921040639/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fight-or-flight-conflict-with-airport-looms-after-government-reveals-sky-rail-plan-20220920-p5bjmp.html |archive-date=21 September 2022 |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> The elevated design, Allan said, would be quicker to build, cheaper and cause less disruption.<ref name=":8" /> Melbourne Airport objected to the proposal, calling for the station to be underground in order to facilitate its plans for terminal expansion.<ref name=":7" /> === Initial early works and tendering === The airport link was set to be delivered across a number of construction packages. In June 2021, the first package was put out to tender for works around Sunshine and Albion stations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First package of works for Airport Rail out to market {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-package-works-airport-rail-out-market |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505065202/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-package-works-airport-rail-out-market |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref> In November 2021 two works packages were put out for the premium station at Melbourne Airport and a {{Convert|6|km|abbr=on}} long section of elevated rail over the Western Ring Road and above Airport Drive.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=9 November 2021 |title=Airport Station and viaduct works open to market |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/airport-station-and-viaduct-works-open-to-market |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505070030/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/airport-station-and-viaduct-works-open-to-market |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> In March 2022, a contract was awarded to Laing O'Rourke as managing contractor to deliver early works on the project, including the relocation and protection of utilities along the route, with works beginning in late 2022 and completed in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=1 March 2022 |title=Early works one step closer to starting this year |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/early-works-one-step-closer-to-starting-this-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505093004/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/early-works-one-step-closer-to-starting-this-year |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-27 |title=Airport rail mediator backs above-ground station |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-27/airport-rail-mediator-backs-above-ground-station/104032900 |access-date=2024-11-03 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>[[File:Tower realocation for Airport Rail Link.jpg|thumb|alt=Electricity transmission towers to be relocated for works of an elevated rail over the M80 Ring Roaf (left of image).|These electricity transmission towers were planned to be relocated to allow elevated rail over the M80 Ring Road (left).]]
In late October 2022, construction starting on the rail link with works to relocate six electricity transmission towers.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=SRL Airport Takes Flight As Works Begin {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/srl-airport-takes-flight-works-begin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031021224/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/srl-airport-takes-flight-works-begin |archive-date=31 October 2022 |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref> Premier Daniel Andrews announced a consortium of FCC Construction Australia and Winslow Infrastructure was selected as the preferred contractor to deliver a package of major construction works including the 550m bridge over the Maribynong River.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=15 December 2022 |title=Start of works, Sunshine Masterplan and Contract announcements |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/start-of-works,-sunshine-masterplan-and-contract-announcements |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104135903/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/start-of-works,-sunshine-masterplan-and-contract-announcements |archive-date=4 January 2023 |access-date=17 December 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=John |date=31 October 2022 |title=Works commence and contract awarded for $10B Melbourne Airport rail link |url=https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2022/10/31/works-commence-and-contract-awarded-for-10b-melbourne-airport-rail-link/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031041000/https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2022/10/31/works-commence-and-contract-awarded-for-10b-melbourne-airport-rail-link/ |archive-date=31 October 2022 |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=Infrastructure Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
A second contract of works, the Sunshine Systems Alliance package, was awarded to a consortium of John Holland, CPB, KBR and AECOM, which included corridor-wide train signalling, works to Sunshine and Albion stations and twin tracks between Sunshine station and the Albion-Jacana corridor, including the new Albion rail flyover.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":9" /> A package of corridor works was set to be awarded in 2023.<ref name=":9" />
The Premier also announced $143 million in extra funding for developing Sunshine station and its surroundings, including a new bus interchange and new open space as part of the Sunshine station masterplan, which was released at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2022 |title=Airport link work starts, free lunch push |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/airport-link-work-starts-free-lunch-push-c-8701737 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031040958/https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/airport-link-work-starts-free-lunch-push-c-8701737 |archive-date=31 October 2022 |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=PerthNow |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> The project was also rebranded as ''SRL Airport'' to emphasise its role in the Suburban Rail Loop corridor, although the project will run conventional Metro Trains services compared to the fully separate Suburban Rail Loop;<ref name=":5" /> though this branding was later dropped.
=== Project delays and Airport station dispute === In the lead-up to the 2023 state budget, media reports suggested there may be a delay in the project's opening date.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eddie |first=Rachel |date=15 April 2023 |title=Big-ticket transport projects face delays as budget pressures build |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/big-ticket-transport-projects-face-delays-as-budget-pressures-build-20230415-p5d0oj.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416024637/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/big-ticket-transport-projects-face-delays-as-budget-pressures-build-20230415-p5d0oj.html |archive-date=16 April 2023 |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> In a radio interview, Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said slow and difficult negotiations with Melbourne Airport operator Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC) over the use of airport land for the project had caused delays.<ref name=":10" /> The airport argued for an underground station at the airport to allow for future expansion and improve connectivity to the proposed Suburban Rail Loop.<ref name=":7" />
Melbourne media also reported that the state government had requested a four-year delay in the project from the federal government and planned to abandon the $2 billion Geelong fast rail project, due to budget pressures and the construction sector being over capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eddie |first=Sumeyya Ilanbey, Paul Sakkal, Patrick Hatch, Rachel |date=20 April 2023 |title=MPs blindsided by Andrews government request to delay airport rail |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mps-blindsided-by-andrews-government-request-to-delay-airport-rail-20230419-p5d1pp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529082349/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mps-blindsided-by-andrews-government-request-to-delay-airport-rail-20230419-p5d1pp.html |archive-date=29 May 2023 |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref>
On 17 May 2023, the state government confirmed that contracting for further works on the project would be paused and no new contracts would be signed until the completion of a federal review of the country's infrastructure pipeline.<ref name=":11" /> Early works would continue as part of the awarded early works contract, but no new contracts were to be entered into.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=18 May 2023 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail (SRL Airport) |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505070024/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> Reports suggested some construction workers were redeployed to other Victorian infrastructure projects.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Duboudin |first=Tony |date=17 May 2023 |title=Melbourne Airport rail link on hold pending federal review of major projects |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/commuter-rail/melbourne-airport-rail-link-on-hold-pending-federal-review-of-major-projects/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529082348/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/commuter-rail/melbourne-airport-rail-link-on-hold-pending-federal-review-of-major-projects/ |archive-date=29 May 2023 |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":11" /> The Albanese government announced a 90-day review into the previous federal government's infrastructure funding commitments, signalling some projects may be delayed or cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakkal |first=Paul |date=30 April 2023 |title=Hundreds of Coalition 'press release' infrastructure projects in the gun |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/hundreds-of-coalition-press-release-infrastructure-projects-in-the-gun-20230430-p5d4ds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712025606/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/hundreds-of-coalition-press-release-infrastructure-projects-in-the-gun-20230430-p5d4ds.html |archive-date=12 July 2024 |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> [[File:Tullamarine International terminal Vabre-1.jpg|alt=Aerial view of Melbourne Airport. |thumb|Aerial view of Melbourne Airport. The design of the terminating station at the airport was the subject of extended dispute.]] On 16 November 2023, the federal government announced that the project would not be axed as part of the 90-day infrastructure review and re-committed their $5 billion commitment to the project.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Melbourne's Airport Rail Link saved from federal infrastructure funding axe |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-16/melbourne-airport-rail-infrastructure-funding-victoria/103111772 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115221629/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-16/melbourne-airport-rail-infrastructure-funding-victoria/103111772 |archive-date=2023-11-15 |access-date=2023-11-15 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> New Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan blamed failed negotiations with the airport over whether the airport station would be elevated or underground, saying it had caused significant delays to the project.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Melbourne Airport says rail link station should be underground, as federal support for project reaffirmed |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-16/melbourne-airport-rail-infrastructure-funding-victoria/103111772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115221836/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-16/melbourne-airport-rail-infrastructure-funding-victoria/103111772 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=2023-11-16 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> Allan said after three years of negotiation the issue had not been resolved and that until it was a new opening date and final cost could not be known.<ref name=":13" /> Because airport land is regulated by federal rather than state powers, any station requires a planning application to come directly from the airport.<ref name=":13" /> Following the announcement, local media reported that as part of negotiations the airport was seeking up to $1 billion in compensation for issues like land devaluation from the rail link.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 November 2023 |title=Dispute heats up between the airport and the Allan and Albanese governments, which threatens to further delay the $10bn project |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news-story%2F7bb9961712a63f3cf1feab1ff32b2427 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116220729/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news-story%2F7bb9961712a63f3cf1feab1ff32b2427 |archive-date=16 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023 |work=Herald Sun}}</ref> Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said she would continue to advocate for an underground station.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2023 |title=New battle in Melbourne Airport rail war over station placement |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news-story%2Fcde896ce2202af22f9017ae2d15e02ca |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116220727/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news-story%2Fcde896ce2202af22f9017ae2d15e02ca |archive-date=16 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023 |work=Herald Sun}}</ref>
In April 2024, former Queensland transport public servant Neil Scales was appointed as an independent mediator by the federal government to resolve the ongoing Airport station design dispute between the state government and the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Godde |first=Callum |date=10 April 2024 |title=Mediator picked to resolve Melbourne Airport rail spat |url=https://www.aap.com.au/news/mediator-appointed-to-end-melbourne-airport-rail-fight/#:~:text=Former%20Queensland%20transport%20department%20director,stalled%20airport%20rail%20link%20moving. |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=Australian Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In May 2024, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas confirmed in the state budget that the project would be delayed by at least four years, with completion not expected until 2033 at the earliest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jake |date=7 May 2024 |title=Victorian Government Confirms Four-Year Delay for Airport Rail |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/victorian-government-confirms-four-year-delay-for-airport-rail/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507230340/https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/victorian-government-confirms-four-year-delay-for-airport-rail/ |archive-date=7 May 2024 |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Australian Aviation |language=en}}</ref> After blaming the airport for the ongoing project impasse, Pallas suggested that Avalon Airport could receive funding for a new rail link instead if delays persist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kolovos |first=Benita |date=8 May 2024 |title=Victorian treasurer threatens to consider train station for Avalon amid dispute with Melbourne Airport |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/may/08/victorian-treasurer-threatens-to-consider-train-station-for-avalon-amid-dispute-with-melbourne-airport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712030157/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/may/08/victorian-treasurer-threatens-to-consider-train-station-for-avalon-amid-dispute-with-melbourne-airport |archive-date=12 July 2024 |access-date=12 July 2024 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2024, Melbourne Airport backed down from its initial demands and agreed to a compromise, ending almost 8 months of stalled negotiations.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Kolovos |first=Benita |date=2024-07-08 |title=Melbourne airport backdown on station paves way for long-awaited train link |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/08/melbourne-airport-backdown-on-station-paves-way-for-long-awaited-train-link |access-date=2024-07-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Airport CEO Lorie Argus conceded that the Victorian people "had waited long enough" and agreed to an elevated station at the airport.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Melissa |last2=Willingham |first2=Richard |date=2024-07-07 |title=Melbourne Airport agrees to clear the hurdle to long-awaited rail link |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-08/vic-melbourne-airport-rail-line-station-compromise/104069626 |access-date=2024-07-15 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU}}</ref> Additionally, the airport hoped for the project to be finished and in operation by 2030, despite officially being delayed by at least four years.<ref name=":14" /> In 2025 the airport and the Victorian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the project.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |date=2025-03-20 |title=MoU a 'significant' commitment to Melbourne Airport Rail Link, govt says |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-20/melbourne-airport-rail-link-memorandum-of-understanding/105074492 |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> The federal Albanese Government announced a further $2 billion for the project, bringing federal funding to $7 billion and the Victorian Government agreed to bring forward $2 billion of its $5 billion funding commitment to restart works initially at Sunshine station.<ref name=":18" />
== Project description == alt=High Capacity Metro Train (HCMT)|thumb|The airport line will use High Capacity Metro Trains, introduced as part of the Metro Tunnel project.alt=Map of the Melbourne rail network, metropolitan train network, with the Airport link and Metro Tunnel shown as dashed lines.|thumb|Map of the Melbourne metropolitan rail network with the Airport link shown as a dashed line.
The airport link will be a branch of Melbourne's existing metropolitan rail network, running express from Sunshine to the airport. {{Convert|12|km|abbr=on}} of new double track will be built from Sunshine station to a new premium station at Melbourne Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=31 August 2021 |title=Bridge over the Maribyrnong River Valley |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/maribyrnong-river-bridge |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505091455/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/maribyrnong-river-bridge |url-status=live }}</ref> A new rail bridge will be built above the Maribynong River next to the existing heritage Albion Viaduct. The new bridge will be {{Convert|55|m|4=0}} high and {{Convert|383|m}} long and become the second-highest bridge in Victoria after the West Gate Bridge.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Clay Lucas, Michael |date=28 December 2020 |title=Melbourne Airport rail line to soar high over Maribyrnong River |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-line-to-soar-high-over-maribyrnong-river-20201228-p56qfa.html |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505091455/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-line-to-soar-high-over-maribyrnong-river-20201228-p56qfa.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Sunshine station will be expanded as part of the plan, becoming a new hub for transfers from suburban and regional services to the airport line. A new concourse will be built, along with new platforms, platform extensions and accessibility upgrades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=31 August 2021 |title=Sunshine Station transport superhub |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/sunshine-station |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505091453/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/sunshine-station |url-status=live }}</ref> A large {{Convert|18|m|adj=on}} high flyover will be built above Albion station and Ballarat Road.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=31 August 2021 |title=Albion flyover and station works |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/albion-works |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505093000/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/albion-works |url-status=live }}</ref> There will be a {{Convert|6|km|abbr=on}} long section of elevated rail over the Western Ring Road and Airport Drive.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ilanbey |first=Sumeyya |date=29 March 2021 |title=First airport rail images released, as long-delayed project inches closer |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/first-airport-rail-images-released-as-long-delayed-project-inches-closer-20210329-p57evw.html |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505091453/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/first-airport-rail-images-released-as-long-delayed-project-inches-closer-20210329-p57evw.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The airport station is currently planned to be an elevated terminal station, connected by a walkway to the airport's main terminals.<ref name=":8"/> The design will accommodate a future Suburban Rail Loop connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=31 August 2021 |title=New station at Melbourne Airport |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/melbourne-airport-station |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505092958/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/melbourne-airport-station |url-status=live }}</ref>
A second new station Keilor East is to be built along the line at the border of Airport West and Keilor Park to serve Melbourne's north-west.<ref name=":8" />
At the city end, the airport line will run through the new underground Metro Tunnel stations at State Library and Town Hall, which will allow interchange to all other suburban services via the existing major stations Melbourne Central and Flinders Street, respectively. High Capacity Metro Trains, 7-car trains introduced as part of the Metro Tunnel project, will run to the airport.<ref name=":6" /> Plans from 2022 said that airport trains will run every ten minutes all-day, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach the CBD from the airport.<ref name=":8" />
== Construction ==
===Project resumption=== The project was paused in 2023 following a dispute between the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport and state budget pressures.<ref name=":18" /> The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2025, allowing the project to restart.<ref name=":18" /> That year the federal Albanese Government announced a further $2 billion for the project, bringing federal funding to $7 billion.<ref name=":18" /> The Victorian Government agreed to bring forward $2 billion of its $5 billion funding commitment to restart works initially at Sunshine station.<ref name=":18" />
===Station redevelopments=== [[File:Sunshine Station platforms 1 & 2.jpg|alt=Sunshine railway station would be rebuilt as part of the airport rail link|thumb|Sunshine railway station in Melbourne's west is planned to be upgraded as part of the airport rail link]]
Works on rebuilding Sunshine station, turning it into the so-called '''Sunshine Superhub''', are planned to be complete by 2030.<ref name=":19" /> Track realignment is planned to recommence in 2026 around the station.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2025-05-23 |title=Sunshine Superhub project progressing |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/melbourne-airport-rail/sunshine-superhub-project-progressing |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> Works will be spread across a 6km rail corridor and include an extended concourse, two new dedicated regional platforms, three new rail bridges, realigned passenger and freight lines and upgraded signalling.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2025-03-18 |title=Sunshine Station Superhub |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/designs/sunshine-station |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> The works will separate different rail services and create flying junctions to allow the airport line and a potential future electrification of the regional line to Melton to use the Metro Tunnel.<ref name=":20" /> This package of works will be divided into five construction packages.<ref name=":20" /> Responsibility for the project was given to the Level Crossing Removal Project, a division of the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-06 |title=Melbourne Airport Rail overview |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/about/project-overview |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>
Albion and Tottenham stations will also be completely rebuilt.<ref name="albion">{{cite web |title=New Albion Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/stage-1/albion-station |website=Victoria’s Big Build |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref><ref name="tottenham">{{cite web |title=New Tottenham Station |url= https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/stage-1/new-tottenham-station |website=Victoria’s Big Build |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref>
===New stations=== Two wholly new stations will be built as part of the project. Other than the terminus station at Melbourne Airport, there will be a new station at Keilor East.<ref>{{cite web |title=New station at Keilor East |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail/future-stages/new-station-at-keilor-east |website=Victoria’s Big Build |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref>
== See also == * Avalon Airport railway line * Proposed Melbourne rail extensions
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Bibliography== *{{cite book|last1=Aroozoo|first1=Marianne|title=Research paper: Melbourne Airport rail link|date=October 2017|publisher=Parliamentary Library & Information Service|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/research-papers/send/36-research-papers/13828-melbourne-airport-rail-link|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417022815/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/research-papers/send/36-research-papers/13828-melbourne-airport-rail-link|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2018|access-date=23 January 2018}}
==External links== *[https://airportrail.vic.gov.au Melbourne Airport Rail website] *Public Transport Victoria – [https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/siteassets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Feasibility-Studies/Melbourne-Airport-Rail-Link-Study-Overview-brochure.pdf Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study]
Category:Proposed railway lines in Melbourne Category:Rail transport in Melbourne Category:Public transport in Melbourne Category:Airport rail links in Australia Category:2029 in rail transport Rail link