URGENT UPDATE: The City of Karratha has officially applied for international airport status following its recognition as the Large Regional Airport of the Year at the Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards on December 3. Mayor Daniel Scott emphasizes that this pivotal move is a direct response to community demands for enhanced connectivity and reduced travel costs.
The award win serves as a critical boost for Karratha’s aspirations. “What it proves to the Federal Government is that we’re running a quality airport,” Scott stated. This initiative has been a longstanding desire among residents, repeatedly highlighted in annual community surveys. Many families face travel costs ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 just to travel to Perth, making international holidays even more financially burdensome.
Scott argues that securing direct international flights to destinations like Singapore, Indonesia, or Malaysia could significantly lower these costs while enhancing the quality of life in the Pilbara. “It’s about connectivity—how do we get that connectivity to make our cities and towns here in the north more liveable and retain people?” he explained.
The mayor contrasts Karratha’s business case with that of tourism-centric regional airports like Broome, where a Singapore route collapsed within a year. “In Broome, you’re relying on inbound tourism. Our case is based on incoming passengers,” Scott asserted. Karratha hosts some of the world’s largest industries, already drawing international travelers to Perth before necessitating further connections to Karratha.
The urgency of this application was underscored by an incident where an international flight had to divert to Karratha due to technical issues. The plane was left on the tarmac for five hours as customs personnel were unavailable. “That highlighted the limitations of our domestic-only status,” Scott noted.
Next steps include direct engagement with the Federal Government, including meetings in Canberra with key ministers and the Department of Transport. Scott has also reached out to Premier Roger Cook for support, who has expressed willingness to assist. “We’ll keep the communication lines open, and I will be writing to seek his support,” Scott confirmed.
As this situation develops, the push for Karratha Airport’s international status not only aims to alleviate travel costs but also strives to enhance the overall livability for residents. The community’s voice is clear: they demand better connectivity now. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical local initiative.
