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Kununurra will have access to larger seat capacities with works beginning on upgrades to the runway at East Kimberley Regional Airport (EKRA).
The runway will be lengthened to allow larger aircraft, including Virgin Australia’s existing 737-800 service to Perth, to operate at full capacity. Currently, the 737 is limited to 146 passengers during the wet season and 158 during the dry season.
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Expected to complete at the end of this year, the lengthening project will allow Virgin’s 737-800s to operate at their full 176-passenger capacity, as well as potentially opening up future non-stop flights to the east coast.
“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),” the WA Government said in a press release.
“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.”
State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the upgrade, funded by state and federal governments as well as the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, 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,” she said.
“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.”
The upgrades have been the subject of lobbying by local businesses, tourism operators and the wider community for some time, the WA Government says, with Tourism Minister Reece Whitby saying it could open up more opportunities for the travel hotspot.
“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,” he said.
“More seats flying in and out of Kununurra also means downward pressure on pricing, which is good for locals and tourists alike.”
East Kimberley Regional Airport is currently served by Airnorth, Aviair, Nexus Airlines and Virgin Australia.
