Passengers began using the new level four screening point on Wednesday, which features eight lanes equipped with Rapiscan CT screening technology. A temporary pathway is in use from the screening point to passport control on level three.

The Finnish carrier will operate the new Melbourne route using its A350 fleet, which features business, premium economy, and economy seating. Flights will commence on 26 October subject to government approvals, with passengers able to book to Bangkok or all the way to Helsinki.

The airport, more than 1,500km north of Perth, is seeking to become the only regional gateway in Western Australia to host international routes to destinations such as Singapore and Bali, with previous services to Broome and Port Hedland having been axed.

In a statement of claim filed with the Federal Court in October, former Webjet company secretary and general counsel Meaghan Simpson alleged she was unfairly fired in June for raising concerns about the chief executive and managing director, Katrina Barry.