Airport Designated as an International Alternate Airport

Published on 01 April 2019

Busselton Margaret River Airport’s bid to become a designated Alternate International Airport has been successful after its application was approved by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.

The approval has the potential to deliver significant benefits to international airlines flying to Perth as most international flights need to carry additional fuel to allow for diversions to either Adelaide or Exmouth.

The proximity of Busselton to Perth also means that, in the case of a diversion, airlines will be able to return to Perth before the crew are over their hours.

City of Busselton Mayor, Grant Henley, said “The designation of our airport as an international alternate is an endorsement of the quality of the infrastructure constructed during the recent redevelopment.”

In its letter of support for the City of Busselton’s application, Qantas said the recent infrastructure upgrades and refuelling capability makes Busselton an ideal ‘gas and go’ alternate airport when it becomes inadvisable to land in Perth due to weather conditions or some other unforeseen situation.

It is expected that the approval will increase awareness of the airport and its infrastructure around the aviation industry and will allow the airport to establish relationships with international airlines.

Busselton Margaret River Airport is located 200km SSW of Perth Airport and is capable of supporting wide body aircraft including the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with Key Goal Area 5 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2017): Public transport services that meet the needs of the community.

Ends.

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