Airport Redevelopment Delays Singapore - Broome Flights. More Flights Planned for 2021!

Broome International Airport’s (BIA’s) extensive terminal redevelopment is well underway, however the construction timetable has affected plans for a further Singapore trial service in 2020.

BIA, in conjunction with tourism partners, ran a successful series of flights between Broome and Singapore in 2018 and 2019, with an expectation of a third trial taking place in 2020.

Chief Executive of BIA, Paul McSweeney, said: “International flights have significant logistical requirements above that required for domestic flights, and the effects of this year’s construction program have unfortunately meant it is not feasible to operate the services in 2020.”

The $14 million terminal upgrade is due for completion in mid 2021 and includes improved passenger screening, air-conditioned arrivals area and expanded departures and check-in facilities.

Regular flights from Singapore to Broome have been a long-held ambition for the local tourism sector, as the Asian destination serves as an aviation hub to the rest of the world, including the Kimberley region’s traditional international markets in Europe and the UK.

Australia’s North West Tourism (ANW) CEO Natasha Mahar said: “The majority of overseas
visitors to the Kimberley are from Europe; enabling greater access into Broome will be a
significant boost for tourism in our region.”

Mr McSweeney said stakeholder meetings to discuss options for 2021 were held in Singapore as recently as January.

“Conversations continue to progress well with all parties showing strong interest for 2021, “he said.

“The success of the first two trials, and the ongoing interest in the route, has excited us and recent meetings have indicated a need to expand the schedule so as to be more attractive to the European market.”

Contact: Paul McSweeney CEO Broome International Airport. 
Natasha Mahar CEO Australia’s Northwest.