Avalon Airport carparking prices rise by 65 per cent

Avalon Airport has raised its parking prices, with one customer labelling the move “crazy”.

Avalon Airport has increased its carpark fees. Picture: Alan Barber

Avalon Airport passengers have been hit with massive parking fee hikes, with new prices introduced at the start of the month.

Travellers will now have to fork out $49 to park outdoors for a day at Avalon, the same price charged for undercover terminal parking at Tullamarine.

Customers in Melbourne can park for as little as $12 if they choose to use a park and ride option.

Wallington resident Matthew Hindson flies to Sydney from Avalon weekly and said he had paid $57 for four days of parking on August 24.

Just two weeks later, the University of Sydney professor said he was shocked to find his bill was $94 for same period, an increase of almost 65 per cent.

Mr Hindson said he couldn’t understand why fees for the same service had increased so much and said it would hurt many people who were struggling in the current economy.

“It’s totally out of line with inflation,” he said.

“I think they’re taking us for a ride.

“I find it rapacious.”

Avalon Airport. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Hindson said he thought Avalon Airport was important for people from the Geelong region and Melbourne’s western suburbs, but said the airport was not offering good value when it came to parking.

“Now, we’re in a situation where parking costs more than an airfare which I think is crazy,” Mr Hindson said.

Most travellers who fly from Avalon Airport have little choice but to pay the higher parking fees, or fork out for a taxi.

Mr Hindson said there were no alternative carparks and feared the price increase could

discourage people from using Avalon.

“Avalon has managed to make Melbourne Airport parking look like good value,” he said.

“That’s quite an achievement.”

Avalon Airport spokeswoman Angela Ceberano confirmed carparking prices had increased from September 1.

“All our parking is within a two minute walk to the terminal without the need for a shuttle bus or other transport to enter the airport,” Ms Ceberano said.

“Melbourne Avalon Airport will continue to provide the most competitive at terminal airport parking across Victoria, with work underway to implement more efficient airport parking systems, effective as of December 2023.”

Originally published as Avalon Airport carparking prices rise by 65 per cent