Melbourne Essendon Airport Guide
Essendon Fields Airport sits about 11 km north-west of Melbourne's central business district, in the suburb of Essendon Fields. Its IATA code is MEB and its ICAO code is YMEN. The site covers roughly 305 hectares and began as an aerodrome in the early 1920s.
Essendon was Melbourne's main airport until Tullamarine took over the role. Today it is mainly a general aviation, business aviation and emergency services airport. Victoria Police Air Wing, Air Ambulance Victoria and the Royal Flying Doctor Service all operate from the field, alongside charter, freight, helicopter and training businesses. Textron Aviation and Bombardier run maintenance facilities on site.
Scheduled passenger flying is small. Sharp Airlines flies regional services to Flinders Island and King Island, including seasonal King Island flights planned for October 2026 to April 2027. The terminal was refurbished in 2019 and can handle up to 200,000 passengers a year, with space for about 120 people in the waiting lounge. The airport records around 50,000 aircraft movements a year. The surrounding Essendon Fields precinct adds offices, retail and the Airways Museum.
Services
3 of 6 availableCompare 4 listed options at Melbourne Essendon Airport, spanning parking, car rentals and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Melbourne Essendon Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 2 runwaysopened 1921
- Location
- -37.728, 144.902
- Operator
- Essendon Airport Pty Ltd
Terminals
1 terminalMelbourne Essendon Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Essendon Fields Airport Terminal, handling domestic flights for around 1 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Essendon Fields Airport TerminalDomestic
Sharp Airlines
Nearby cities
1 cityMelbourne Essendon Airport is closest to Melbourne (13 km southeast). With 1 town or city within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Melbourne13 km southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Melbourne Essendon Airport?
What are the airport codes for Melbourne Essendon Airport?
Where is Melbourne Essendon Airport located?
Where is Melbourne Essendon Airport located?
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What services are available at Melbourne Essendon Airport?
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