Airport upgrades set for next stage

Karratha could become an international destination with the airport set to undergo a major redevelopment.

A decision was made at last week’s council meeting to progress to the detailed design phase of the project.

New cafes, a bar, rentable concessional areas, toilets, arrivals and departures lounge, security enhancements and baggage claim will be part of the upgrade, to enhance amenities for passengers.

Capabilities for international flights and for airline lounges, should airlines deem them viable, are part of the plan.

Shire of Roebourne president Fiona White-Hartig said the decision to get detailed designs for the project was another key step in the redevelopment process.

“We know the airport is showing signs of stress during peak times but we need to go through the detailed design process to make sure that the redevelopment will create the best passenger experience possible,” she said.

Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Lally said by redeveloping the airport it would create the opportunity to start negotiations with aviation services.

“The preferred route from the chamber’s perspective would be Karratha to Singapore,” he said.

“That is where everyone comes through, if you go to Beijing or Europe — you go through Singapore. The Asian hub is going to be more important in future years in our business dealings from this area.”

Mr Lally said it was good the council was “ahead of the game” with the airport.

“We’re not waiting until some international carrier says ‘I want to come here’, the Shire is getting the infrastructure ready so if they want to book, we can start talking,” Mr Lally said.

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics reported Karratha Airport experienced the largest growth of any regional route in Australia with passenger growth of 10.6 per cent over the last year.

The cost of the concept plan is estimated to be about $32 million.