A remote airport in Western Australia is mounting a fresh campaign to secure international status, positioning itself as a potential new gateway for global travellers heading to the resource-rich north.
A Fourth Bid for Global Connectivity
Karratha Airport, located more than 1500 kilometres north of Perth in the Pilbara, is submitting its application to become an international port. This marks the fourth attempt by the local council to achieve this designation. If successful, it would become the only regional airport in Western Australia with scheduled international routes, following the axing of previous services from Broome and Port Hedland.
The City of Karratha Mayor, Daniel Scott, is a strong backer of the push. He told Australian Aviation that securing international status is an "important step" for the community's development. He believes it will support growth, help attract and retain a workforce for local industry, and open new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Local Business and Community Backing
The proposal has garnered significant local support. Kitty Prodonovich from the WA Regional Chamber of Commerce highlighted the dual benefits for business and tourism, telling 7NEWS the move would be perfect for commerce and help leisure travellers visit the magnificent Pilbara region.
Local business owner Ginger Lo echoed the sentiment of a rapidly transforming town, stating, "Karratha is a city, it's not a regional town anymore." She pointed to the substantial growth the community of approximately 17,000 people has experienced over the past decade.
Challenges and the Path Ahead
Despite the optimism, the path to international flights faces hurdles. The application process itself is expected to take up to 18 months for review by the Department of Infrastructure and other government agencies responsible for safety, security, and border services.
A critical stumbling block remains: no international airline has yet requested to operate services to or from Karratha. A department spokesperson confirmed to the ABC that while the Commonwealth is pursuing increased opportunities for international aviation, no airline applications for Karratha have been received.
The airport's case is strengthened by the recent loss of international services in the region. Port Hedland, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, had its Denpasar (Bali) service scrapped during the pandemic. Further northeast, Broome lost a Jetstar Asia route to Singapore when the airline closed earlier this year.
The spokesperson noted the application is a significant undertaking but represents a major opportunity to strengthen connectivity and support local jobs in the Pilbara.
