The airports at a glance
| Airport | Codes | To the CBD | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) | MEL / YMML | about 19 km | Heavy and long-range jets, international flights, early or late departures |
| Essendon Fields | MEB / YMEN | about 11 km | Many light and midsize jets and turboprops; the closest business aviation airport to the city |
| Avalon Airport | AVV / YMAV | about 50 km | Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula; some positioning flights |
| Moorabbin Airport | MBW / YMMB | about 22 km | Smaller piston and turboprop aircraft, helicopters and flying training |
Distances are straight-line from the Melbourne CBD to the airport and are a guide; road distances are longer.
How we choose the airport
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL)
No night curfew. International customs and immigration. The usual choice for larger aircraft and anything leaving the country.
Essendon Fields (MEB)
Close to the city and to Flemington. Suited to smaller business aircraft; larger aircraft normally use Tullamarine.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
About an hour from the CBD by road. A useful alternative when the destination is south-west of Melbourne.
Moorabbin Airport (MBW)
South-east of the city. A general aviation airport rather than a business jet airport.
What decides it
- Aircraft size. Larger jets need the longer runways and facilities at Tullamarine.
- Time of day. Tullamarine has no curfew; check other airports on your itinerary.
- Where you are going. Flying to Geelong or the Surf Coast, Avalon can save a long drive; flying interstate for a day return, Essendon’s proximity to the city can save an hour.
- International flights. Customs and immigration are handled at an international airport, normally Tullamarine.
Ground transport and meeting your aircraft
We can arrange a car to meet you at either end of your flight: from your home, hotel or office in the city to the aircraft, and on arrival to your destination. Tell us where you are staying and we will plan the timing so you are not waiting.
From Melbourne you can fly direct to Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Hamilton Island, Queenstown and further. See all destinations and routes.
Melbourne private jet airports: FAQs
Which Melbourne airport do private jets use?
Both of the main ones. Many light and midsize jets and turboprops use Essendon Fields, which is closer to the city. Larger jets and international flights normally use Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine. We choose one for you based on the aircraft, your timing and where you are going.
Is there a curfew at Melbourne Airport?
No. Melbourne Airport operates around the clock, which makes it the more flexible choice for very early or late departures. Other airports, including Sydney, do have curfews, and we plan around them.
How far is Essendon Fields from the city?
About 11 km in a straight line from the CBD, on the north-west side of the city.
Can you arrange a car to meet us?
Yes. We can arrange luxury ground transport at either end of your flight, including transfers from your hotel or office to the aircraft.
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