FlightLogic

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Advertiser disclosure — how this service works

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Beijing Capital International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.1 7.8
On-Time Performance 8.0 7.6
Passenger Experience 8.1 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.3 8.0
Lounge Score 8.6 8.4
City Melbourne Beijing
Country Australia China
Terminals 4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3)
Annual passengers 37M+ 73M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy MEL — Melbourne PEK — Beijing
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Melbourne, Australia · MEL · #1 in this comparison

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) · 37M+ passengers/year

8.1 / 10

How good is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.0), passenger experience (8.1), and facilities (8.3). Lounge quality rates 8.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Melbourne MEL scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.6/10. Qantas Business Lounge in Terminal 2 international is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/melbourne-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review for Qantas ground product.

FlightLogic Score 8.1 Excellent
On-time 8.0 Departure reliability
Experience 8.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.3 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.6 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.0
Passenger Experience
8.1
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score 8.6/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 international serves Qantas, Emirates, and oneworld partners
  • Qantas Business Lounge with Neil Perry-influenced dining — companion to Sydney First Lounge review
  • UK–Melbourne direct on Qantas and BA; common one-stop via Singapore or Doha
  • SkyBus to Melbourne CBD in 30–45 minutes

Overview

Australia's second international gateway — Qantas Business and First lounges in Terminal 2 international, strong oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings.

Terminal 2 international and Qantas lounges

Terminal 2 handles international departures for Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and oneworld partners. Qantas Business Lounge offers buffet and à la carte dining with Australian produce.

Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T2→T1/T3/T4) with re-security — plan 90+ minutes for domestic connections after international arrival.

Beijing, China · PEK · #2 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

FAQ

Which is better, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, MEL or PEK?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher for lounges at 8.6/10, versus Beijing Capital International Airport at 8.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, MEL or PEK?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) has stronger on-time performance at 8.0/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.6/10.