Some residents will experience more aircraft noise when Melbourne Airport's third runway begins operating later this decade, but the areas that may be affected have not been specified.
Public feedback is being sought on plans for the new 3,000-metre runway which will run parallel to the existing north-south runway and increase the airport's capacity by allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi has confirmed the opening of the third runway will require a change to flight paths.
"There is no doubt that additional activity does bring more noise to the surrounds," Mr Strambi said.
"It's hard to say at a suburb level.
The airport will launch an interactive noise tool to allow residents to gauge how the noise will affect their property.
It will include future aircraft tracks, different operating modes and time-of-day comparisons.
The development plan for the $1.9 billion project will go on formal public exhibition on Tuesday and be open for feedback until mid-May.
The plan will then go to the state government for approval.
The third runway was initially slated to open in 2025 but Mr Strambi says that's been pushed back to at least 2027.
Runways nearing capacity pre-pandemic
Melbourne Airport has forecast annual passenger numbers will grow from 37 million to more than 76 million over the next two decades.
Mr Strambi said the airport had almost reached capacity on its existing two runways before the pandemic.
He said a third runway was essential to cope with future demand and cater for Victoria's future tourism, freight and population needs.
"Prior to COVID-19, airlines and their customers frequently experienced delays in peak periods due to the airport's congested cross-runway system," Mr Strambi said.
"It effectively gives you almost a doubling of capacity of the airport."
It's estimated the construction and operation of the third runway will create 37,000 jobs and contribute $4.6 billion to the state's GDP by 2046.
Concerned residents describe 'constant' noise
Some local residents have voiced their concerns about the plan for a third runway and the noise that would be generated by the extra aircraft the project will accommodate.
Hannah Robertson from the Melbourne Airport Community Action Group said residents wanted to know more details about the plan.
"We do want to make it clear we're not anti-aviation and we do recognise the many social and economic benefits that flow on from aviation," she said.
"But we simply want to see a responsible aviation sector that doesn't externalise the cost of airport safeguarding onto the communities affected by it."
Ms Roberston said members of the group whose homes were affected by aviation noise often did not know about development planned for Melbourne Airport when they decided to live in the area.
She described the current noise of aircraft every two to three minutes from her home near the busy airport.
"It would not fall below 50 or 60 decibels and it would climb to 80 decibels."
The airport hasn't ruled out compensation to cover the costs of measures such as double glazing and insulation that some residents may choose to pursue.
