✈ Live Departure Board | Melbourne Essendon Airport (MEB / YMEN)

✈️ Melbourne Essendon Airport — Live Departure Board and General Overview

Melbourne Essendon Airport is Australia’s oldest international airport, playing a vital role in Melbourne’s transport infrastructure since 1921. Today, it specializes in business aviation, charter services, and general aviation (GA) operations. The airport also serves as a base for aviation logistics, medical flights, and pilot training. Conveniently located just 13 km northwest of Melbourne’s central business district, in the Essendon Fields precinct, it remains a key hub for private and corporate travel.

📍 Location & Accessibility

Essendon Fields Airport (IATA: MEB, ICAO: YMEN) lies within Melbourne’s metropolitan area and is well-connected to the CBD via major roadways, including CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway. This makes it particularly attractive for business travelers and delegations seeking quick access to the city. Travel time by car to central Melbourne is approximately 15–20 minutes, and less than 10 minutes to Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (MEL).

🛫 History & Development

Essendon Fields Airport boasts a rich aviation history. Officially opened in 1921, it was Melbourne’s main international and domestic airport until the opening of Tullamarine in 1970. During its golden age in the 1950s, it handled up to 2 million passengers annually and was served by carriers like Qantas and Trans Australia Airlines.

After Tullamarine took over as Melbourne’s primary airport, Essendon transitioned to a hub for business aviation, flight training, and regional charter operations. Today, it is evolving into a thriving aviation and commercial precinct, hosting office buildings, showrooms, hotels, and logistics centers.

🛩 Flight Operations & Airlines

Essendon now supports:

• Private and corporate jet flights (including VIP charters)

• Domestic charter services

• Medical and emergency flights (e.g., Royal Flying Doctor Service, Air Ambulance Victoria)

• General aviation operations

• Flight schools and pilot training programs

Airlines and operators based at MEB include: Air Link, Sharp Airlines, JetCity, FlexJet Australia, and various private jet and helicopter charter companies.

🏢 Facilities & Services

Essendon Fields Airport offers premium infrastructure for business and private aviation:

• FBO terminals (Fixed-Base Operators) with VIP-level services

• Executive lounges, meeting rooms, and private waiting areas

• Nearby hotels, including Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields

• On-site car rental, limousine, and transfer services

• Business and aviation service offices

• Warehouses, retail spaces, and logistics centers within the airport precinct

Recent investments have turned the airport into a modern business hub, and the area continues to develop with support from the Victorian government.

🚁 Pilot Training & Aviation Schools

Essendon Fields is one of Victoria’s leading pilot training bases, offering:

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) programs

• Private Pilot License (PPL) training

• Helicopter training courses

• Advanced qualifications and simulator-based training

Due to its proximity to controlled airspace and active flight corridors, students gain valuable real-world experience in commercial aviation environments.

🧭 Role in Melbourne’s Transport Network

While Melbourne Essendon Airport no longer handles scheduled international flights, its strategic role remains significant:

• Provides direct business aviation access to Melbourne’s CBD

• Supports medical and emergency services

• Functions as an alternative landing site for diversions

• Creates employment and boosts commercial development in Essendon Fields

📊 Strategic Importance

Essendon combines historical significance with modern utility. It is a preferred choice for:

• Executives and private jet owners who value time and discretion

• Corporations operating private or leased aircraft

• Government delegations needing fast CBD access

• Niche aviation operators and logistic providers

Essendon complements Tullamarine and Avalon Airports in Victoria’s long-term transport strategy by relieving pressure on commercial routes and supporting the growth of general aviation.

🌐 Conclusion

Melbourne Essendon Airport is more than just an airfield — it’s a business aviation hub blending prestige, convenience, and world-class service. Ideal for those who value privacy, efficiency, and comfort, the airport continues to play a vital role in Australia’s aviation network, while preserving the spirit of its aviation heritage.