MELBOURNE AIRPORT OPENS THE DOORS TO ITS NEW TERMINAL 4

Melbourne Airport has opened the doors to Australia's newest domestic terminal, marking the start of a staged opening over the coming months.

Melbourne Airport's new Terminal 4 is the first terminal in the Asia Pacific region to open as a completely self-service check-in operation.

Currently, 10 self service check-in kiosks and automated bag drops are operating on the ground level.

A number of retailers have opened in the level 1 departure lounge. Over the coming months, more than 30 fashion and convenience stores will open, along with food and beverage providers.

With 1,200 seats, and floor to ceiling windows providing sweeping views of the airfield, the departure lounge offers a relaxing area for passengers to wait for their flight to board.

The first flight from the new Terminal 4, Tigerair Australia flight TT206, departed for Sydney at 6.45am this morning. The low-cost carrier will continue to operate from the new Terminal 4 while its existing facilities undergo refurbishment.

Jetstar and Regional Express will move into the new terminal in the coming months.