Tourism WA is exploring the potential redevelopment of Busselton Airport, the gateway to the Margaret River region, and bringing international flights into Broome.
Speaking at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Perth, chief executive Stephanie Buckland admitted considerable investment would be required to equip Busselton to receive narrow body and wide body aircraft.
The tourism body is currently undertaking studies before approaching the government with its proposal. If approved, east coast services would be introduced first, with international markets to follow.
Buckland revealed the tourism body is also looking at “opening up” Broome as a “northern gateway into WA”, eyeing direct air services from Singapore.
“It would help the whole Kimberley region,” she said. While the airport is set up to receive jet aircraft, the issue is to convince carriers the route would be financially viable, she added.
