Runway upgrade opens door for Kimberley exports

COMPLETION of the East Kimberley Regional Airport runway extension in Western Australia’s north will open the door for agricultural exports from the region.

The $19.1 million extension opens the way for larger aircraft operating at full capacity, removing long‑standing weight restrictions.

Jointly funded by state and federal governments and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley the extension creates a more resilient northern freight node and a stronger gateway for regional industries.

It is expected to reduce reliance on long‑haul road transport to Perth for air export.

The longer runway allows A320 and B737‑class aircraft to depart without the payload penalties that previously constrained both passenger numbers and belly‑hold freight.

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said the airport was a “critical supply chain link” for communities and industry across the East Kimberley, with the upgrade significantly increasing freight capability alongside passenger growth.

For the region’s agricultural producers — particularly mango, melon and niche horticulture growers — the additional uplift capacity is expected to provide the ability to load more freight directly at Kununurra during peak season is likely to improve product freshness, reduce spoilage and support higher‑value markets.

Mining and exploration operators are also set to benefit. Larger aircraft with unrestricted take‑off weight improve the reliability of moving urgent parts, assay samples and time‑critical equipment, while strengthening FIFO connectivity into Perth’s domestic and international networks.

The upgrade is also being framed as a wet‑season resilience measure. Senator Glenn Sterle noted the airport’s role in maintaining supply chains during severe weather, with the extended runway enabling heavier aircraft to deliver essential goods when road access is cut.

While the project does not create a dedicated freight terminal, the infrastructure now supports the potential for seasonal or ad‑hoc freighter operations — including 737 freighters and A320P2F aircraft — should industry choose to use them.

In a media release announcing the extension the WA government has also highlighted the possibility of future east‑coast direct flights, which would open new overnight freight lanes into Sydney and Melbourne.

Regional development minister Stephen Dawson said the upgrades “will help unlock [the region’s] potential by supporting increased passenger numbers and freight capacity”, reinforcing the airport’s role as a gateway for both tourism and trade.

The runway extension will become fully operational following final regulatory approvals.