Question: what is the closest airport to melbourne cbd

title: List of airports in the Melbourne area
text: Melbourne Airport ( IATA : MEL , ICAO : YMML ) is located in Tullamarine to the north - west of the city and is by far the busiest airport serving the city with domestic flights to every state and territory of Australia , as well as Africa , Europe , Asia , Oceania and North America . The airport is a major hub for both Qantas and Virgin Australia , and home base for Jetstar Airways and Tiger Airways Australia , and cargo airlines Australian air Express and Toll Priority . Avalon Airport ( IATA : AVV , ICAO : YMAV ) is located to the south - west , outside the city of Geelong , and is the next most prominent airport with Jetstar Airways serving the airport . Essendon Airport ( IATA : MEB , ICAO : YMEN ) is located in the middle north - west of the city and was formerly the primary airport for Melbourne . It is now limited to a handful of passenger airlines and is primarily used for general aviation and cargo flights . Moorabbin Airport ( IATA : MBW , ICAO : YMMB ) is located in the middle southern suburbs and offers a limited number of passenger flights but is the primary general aviation airport in the city .