I would love to know why Melbourne Airport doesn't have an observation deck.

I would love to know why Melbourne Airport doesn't have an observation deck. When it was first built it had 5, Ansett, TAA, and 3 at International, they had turnstiles and you needed to put 5 cents in. They were wonderful ways of seeing and smelling aviation. I feel so sorry for young kids these days, the two off road makeshift car parks are a poor substitute for plane spotting. There is no reason such observation decks could not be put back in, in fact two huge balconies are still in existence, but access conveniently denied. They have not been banned at every airport worldwide, but they certainly have been filled in with expansions and greedy retail shopping outlets occupying some of their old locations.

Because they cost money and they don't make money.

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Hugo, the first part of your reply was a fairly logical answer to the question, while the second part was unnecessary. As this is the Questions & Answers section, I've kept the answer and ditched the rest.

And there it is. The smug, bordering-on-rude reply that is so often seen on this website. Hugo, why be so rude? It was a genuine question that doesn't warrant a response like that.

agree

I have not seen any good changes in Melbourne airport since deregulation and privatization. IMHO good observation deck should be at any airport and if they need extra money to maintain it, I would happily pay $1 if it really in good location.

I kinda like to think that extremely profitable organisations, Multi Nationals, (like owners of Airports) could have the heart to put something back in that is a joy, rather than everything just for profit. I would pay to enter an observation deck if it had uninterupted views. They were wonderful spots for taking pictures, I remember as a kid seeing an Ansett DC-9 being pushed back out with it's tail to the terminal building when flames shot out the back of one of the jet engines, my dad and I thought it was gonna explode, it only lasted a few seconds, and then it proceeded to taxi away, all good. This is the exciting stuff you just don't see parking on dirt on the side of some highway.

sgb, i too remember those good ol days.  In those days, mum (bless her soul) would take me to the airport to enjoy the sights from the general/easy access observation deck.  Yep, times have changed.  Bottom line is that amount of 'prime real estate ' doesn't generate enough profit :(

If those old turnstyles were still in existence today, I imagine the 5 cent fee would now be a gold coin.

I reckon the main reason is that when Tulla was built, flying was only for the posh mob.  Nowadays there are not too many that haven't flown. For the few that haven't, they would have a heart attack when faced with the cost of parking for an hour or two.

It surprises me that an airport of MEL's significance doesn't have an observation deck.  I had just assumed it did like most other major airports in the world.

How much profit would two original already built catwalk balconies, Qantas Domestic and Virgin Terminals, sitting high up on the 2nd floor, put into moth balls for the past 25 years need to make, I imagine they are full of bird droppings from total underutilisation, probably comes in handy for the window washer once in a blue moon. I believe the airport decided to open one of them when Airbus flew out the first A380, for that day only. I agree if a family was to do plane spotting at the airport the parking fee would cost more than a cheapie airfare. When the Airport opened 40 cents was sufficient for a huge stay in the car park, and the nice attendant thanked you for your custom as he took the money and gave you a receipt. Flying did seem for the fashionable, and people wouldn't have dreamed of wearing what you see them turn up in now.  Yes, Melbourne Airport lacks an operating Observation Deck, you would think it could satisfy community expectations, and if they cry security as the issue, install glass.