- Official sod turning ceremony marks East Kimberley Regional Airport upgrade progress
- Works will extend the runway to enable Boeing 737-800 to operate at full capacity
- Greater aviation access provides greater tourism and economic opportunity for region
Improved community connectivity, and enhanced tourism and business opportunities in the East Kimberley are a step closer, with upgrade works now underway at the East Kimberley Regional Airport (EKRA) in Kununurra.
Funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, the works will extend the runway to allow larger, more efficient aircraft to operate at full capacity.
Currently, temperature conditions and runway length limit the maximum number of passengers on the return Boeing 737-800 Virgin service out of Kununurra to Perth to 146 during the wet season and 158 during the dry season.
The runway extension will allow the aircraft to operate at its full capacity of 176 passengers, creating the potential for cheaper airfares. Into the future, the longer runway also provides capacity for direct east coast flights to the Kimberley region.
Greater aviation access is expected to provide a major boost to the local economy by unlocking the tourism potential of the region which is renowned for its spectacular natural attractions including the world heritage listed Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle range).
Additionally, the future-proofing works will ensure the airport can continue to support important transport connections, including to Broome, Darwin and Perth, as well as the State Government subsidised Kununurra-Halls Creek-Balgo service.
The works are due for completion towards the end of the year.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The East Kimberley Regional Airport upgrade is a transformative project for this region and a great example of government collaboration at all levels.
"The runway extension is the key to unlocking the enormous tourism and business potential of the eastern Kimberley.
"Importantly, it will also help future-proof a transport hub that connects communities and supply chains, which is especially critical during the region's severe weather events.
"This project complements the State Government's Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme which reduces airfare costs for regional residents travelling to Perth and back."
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The East Kimberley is home to some of our State's most iconic natural landmarks and destinations, and this airport upgrade will see more people visiting the region and supporting our tourism operators and small businesses.
"More seats flying in and out of Kununurra also means downward pressure on pricing, which is good for locals and tourists alike."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The tourism, businesses and broader community have been calling for this upgrade for some time, and I am thrilled our government is helping make it a reality.
"We all know how incredible the East Kimberley is, and thanks to this upgrade to the airport, we will be able to boost visitation, support tourism and small business and enhance the resilience of our supply chains during extreme weather events."
