Smooth sailing for new passenger zones at Melbourne Airport

The first passengers to use Melbourne Airport's new drop-off and pick-up zones have reported a seamless transition to the new arrangements. 

The airport's departure ramp that was used to drop passengers at the front door of terminals 1, 2 and 3 closed last night after more than 50 years in operation.

The new combined drop-off and pick-up area has been built in the multi-level car park at the airport, with the facility, connecting walkway bridge and supporting road network costing $500 million.

The airport said it aimed to reduce traffic congestion outside the terminals' departure areas and featured almost triple the number of bays compared to the forecourt.

There have been concerns about the longer walk to the terminal for elderly travellers and people with mobility issues.

But passengers who spoke to the ABC this morning approved of the new arrangement.

"Our son managed to find his way really well," said one woman who had just been dropped off for a flight home to New Zealand.

"So far it's easy, pretty convenient. The last one was a bit hectic, a bit busy," said another traveller.

"It's pretty great, lots of room," said another woman who agreed the new zone appeared "less hectic" than the previous facility.

Another man said the traffic flowed more easily and he did not mind the longer walk to reach the terminal.

"Get our steps in," his travelling companion added.

A driver said he felt safer using the new zone, while another said he found it easier to drop off his passengers.

Drivers taking passengers to the airport now have to leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier, using the exit to Naarm Way.

There was a crash on the freeway this morning, causing delays getting to the airport but it was not known if it was related to the new airport arrangements.

The new zone is designed for passengers taking Qantas, Virgin Australia and international flights.

Melbourne Airport said the change would enable work to begin on a $4.5 billion expansion to the international terminal.

Melbourne Airport spokesperson Andrew Lund said the new zone appeared to be working well on the first morning of operation.

"This is a big change and it's going to take everybody, including us, a little of time to get used to," he said.

He said assistance service was being offered for those with mobility needs.

"The trade-off for giving cars and people more space is there is a bit of a longer walk," he said.

"We've got support in the form of buggies and wheelchairs available for people to help them with that and they've been used quite regularly so far this morning."

The airport said it had rostered on dozens of extra staff today and the coming weeks to help passengers navigate the new layout.