Busselton-Margaret River Airport terminal delayed due to lack of airline interest

5 September 2018 © David Eyre

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia and Tourism WA Chairman Nathan Harding have indicated there are insufficient passenger numbers to make airline services to the Margaret River region viable.

The State Government has met with numerous international carriers to discuss flights into locations across WA, but consider there is no demand for the flights at this time.

Qantas is seeking a site for a pilot training academy and Busselton is competing with a number of other Australian airports for the opportunity. This could lead to more interest from airlines in the region. 

The City of Busselton disputes the Minister’s claims, saying its discussions indicated strong interest. They consider a new terminal is necessary for passenger screening and processing, and the delay in construction caused by the funding halt is a hindrance.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will also help fund a joint marketing campaign if an airline service is secured.

City of Busselton is upgrading the existing Airport facilities to prepare for Regular Public Transport (RPT) air services to interstate destinations such as Melbourne and Sydney, as well as international cities in Southeast Asia.

The projects include:    

• lengthening, widening and strengthening of the runway up to 2520m long x 45m wide to facilitate narrow and wide bodied Code 4C and E aircraft such as Boeing 737, Airbus 320 and Airbus 330;
• construction of four new apron parking bays and connecting taxiways with Code 4E capability;
• two helipads;
• new terminal building capable of accommodating the expanded operations and services, with ability for future expansion;
• new 422 bay car park;
• general aviation precinct comprising 2 Code B aprons capable of accommodating up to 34 fully serviced hangars;
• airfreight hub – Stage 1 of the Commercial and Industrial Precinct comprising up to 50 airside/landside lots;
• jet A1 fuel facility;
• connection to site wide services, including water, power, sewer, NBN.