A proposal to build a second east-west runway at Melbourne International (ML) is likely to increase the pressure on Essendon's runway 08-26, according to Essendon Airport's (EAPL) draft master plan.
The ML Runway Development Program (RDP) proposes building an east-west runway sited 2 km south of the existing 09/27, which will bring approaching traffic closer to Essendon and in potential conflict with Essendon's 17/35.
According to EAPL's draft master plan, this will mean runway 08/26 will be in use up to 90% of the time.
"Air traffic at Essendon Fields Airport is predominantly north-south based on the prevailing winds," EAPL states. "EAPL anticipates that when the 3rd Runway opens, air traffic at Melbourne Airport will undergo a fundamental shift to an east-west system approximately 90% of the time.
"Air traffic at Essendon Fields Airport will need to operate complementary to Melbourne Airport and also operate in an east-west direction most of the time (weather permitting)."
EAPL concedes that the changes will create difficulties for light aircraft operating in northerly or southerly winds.
"Larger aircraft at Melbourne and Essendon Fields Airports can operate safely in higher cross-wind conditions up to 20 knots. However, light aircraft at Essendon Fields will be limited by cross-winds from using the east-west Runway 08/26 and will face restricted availability of the north-south Runway 17/35."
Melbourne Airport is expected to submit a major development plan to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Cities before the end of 2019. If approved, construction on the 3000-m long, 60-m wide third runway will take between two and three years.
Melbourne Airport believes the runway will take its first traffic in 2022-24.