Derailed again, the decades-long quest for a Melbourne airport train feels like a mirage

‘It seems possible we may find ourselves, for eternity, making the breathless dash across Southern Cross, from the Frankston line to Skybus. Trainless.’ Photograph: Con Chronis/AAP

As anyone from Melbourne knows, going on a long-haul journey starts well before you get to the airport. Travelling to Tullamarine from the other side of the West Gate is simply an act of faith that cars can and will move in a forward motion. From most parts of the city, your options are privately owned Skybus or a very long walk.

But there has been, for decades, the promise we would eventually be able to catch a train to Melbourne airport. Now, it seems that the notoriously imaginary connection could be delayed once more.