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Works have finished on a runway extension at East Kimberley Regional Airport in Kununurra, Western Australia.
The $19.1 million runway extension, which will allow larger aircraft to operate to the airport unrestricted, was funded by $15.1 million from the Commonwealth, $2.5 million from the WA government and $1.5 million from the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.
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Its completion will “future-proof” the airport, the respective governments said in a joint statement, allowing it to increase tourism and freight traffic.
“Future-proofing the airport will also support continuation of the Cook Government’s subsidised flights between Kununurra, Halls Creek and Balgo and flights for Kununurra residents to Perth through the landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme,” they said.
Larger aircraft, including Virgin Australia’s existing 737-800 service to Perth, can now operate at their full 176-seat capacity to Kununurra, where previously the 737 was limited to 146 passengers during the wet season and 158 during the dry season.
According to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, the East Kimberley Regional Airport is “a gateway to the region, while also providing a critical supply chain link for local communities and industry”.
“By future-proofing this important transport hub, we’re unlocking new tourism and economic opportunities for the East Kimberley region and the people who call it home,” she said.
“These upgrades will deliver more seat availability on flights which will help improve airfare affordability in the long-term and support opportunities for new routes into the future – including potential direct flights from the east coast.
“This project builds on the Cook Labor Government’s strong investment in initiatives like our Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme which is ensuring air travel remains accessible and affordable for regional Western Australians.”
Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley chief executive Vernon Lawrence said the completion of construction will deliver “lasting benefits for our community and local industries”.
“With the ability to support larger aircraft with unrestricted access, we can build stronger aviation connections for our region and explore new routes,” he said.
“I look forward to this project bringing to life tourism growth, business development and long‑term economic resilience for the East Kimberley.”
East Kimberley Regional Airport is currently served by Airnorth, Aviair, Nexus Airlines, and Virgin Australia.
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