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| Broome International Airport | |
|---|---|
| Name | Broome International Airport |
| Iata | BME |
| Icao | YBRM |
| Type | Public |
| Owner | Shire of Broome |
| Operator | Broome International Airport Pty Ltd |
| City-served | Broome, Western Australia |
| Location | Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley |
| Elevation-f | 35 |
Broome International Airport Broome International Airport is an aerodrome and regional aviation hub located in Broome, Western Australia, within the Shire of Broome. The airport serves domestic and limited international services to destinations across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and parts of Southeast Asia, supporting tourism, mining, pastoral industries, and Indigenous communities. It has strategic importance for regional connectivity linked to historical events such as World War II and economic activities involving companies like BHP and Woodside Petroleum.
The site near Cable Beach saw early aviation in the 1920s tied to explorers like Frank Gregory and pastoralists in the Kimberley region. During World War II, the airfield was expanded by the Royal Australian Air Force and hosted units related to the Pacific War; contributions connected to operations like the defense of Northern Australia involved aircraft from squadrons that also served in campaigns such as the Battle of Timor. Post-war commercial services commenced with carriers including Trans Australia Airlines and later Ansett Australia, supporting the post-war boom and the development of ports like Derby and resource towns such as Broome town centre. The airport infrastructure evolved through municipal ownership under the Shire of Broome and partnerships with state initiatives like those by the Government of Western Australia to handle increases in tourism associated with attractions like Horizontal Falls and cultural events linked to groups such as the Yawuru People.
The airport features a sealed runway accommodating turboprop and narrow-body jet aircraft with navigation aids compliant with standards from organisations such as Airservices Australia and Civil Aviation authorities. Terminal facilities include check-in, security screening, arrivals, and charter handling areas used by operators connected to companies like Cobham Aviation Services and Alliance Airlines. Groundside infrastructure supports general aviation with hangars used by operators including RFDS missions and aerial firefighting aircraft contracted during the Australian bushfire season by organisations such as WA Country Health Service and state emergency services. Fuel storage and fire services follow regulations influenced by national bodies including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Freight facilities serve cargo linked to mining supply chains for firms such as Rio Tinto and logistics providers like Toll Group.
Scheduled domestic airlines serving the airport have included QantasLink, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, Alliance Airlines, and regional operators like Rex Airlines and charters by Cobham Aviation. Destinations historically and currently connect to hubs and regional centres such as Perth, Darwin, Karratha, Port Hedland, and seasonal links to Jakarta and other Southeast Asia points through charter arrangements. Services support tourism to sites including Horizontal Falls, transfers to cruise operations at Broome Port, and fly-in fly-out rotations to resources projects operated by entities like Woodside Petroleum and Chevron Corporation.
Passenger throughput has fluctuated with tourism cycles, mining sector demand, and events like the COVID-19 pandemic, with annual figures tracked by state transport agencies and local authorities. Cargo volumes reflect freight for the mining industry, mail services for remote communities, and perishable goods from regional producers shipped via airlines and freight carriers including Toll Group and Qantas Freight. Statistical trends mirror seasonal tourism peaks linked to festivals and cultural programs involving groups such as the Yawuru Community and Indigenous tourism operators working with institutions like Tourism Australia.
Ground access includes road links via the Great Northern Highway and local roads administered by the Shire of Broome. Surface transport options comprise taxi services registered with Shire of Broome licencing, regional coach operators connecting to towns such as Derby and Broome town centre, car rental agencies associated with national brands, and shuttle services arranged by tour companies visiting locations like Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point. Parking facilities and terminal access integrate with tourism infrastructure promoted by organisations including Tourism Western Australia.
The airport’s operational history includes incidents involving regional turboprops and charter aircraft similar to events recorded elsewhere in Western Australia airspace. Investigations into occurrences utilise agencies such as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and regulatory frameworks administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Notable responses have engaged emergency services such as the St John Ambulance Australia branch and local fire brigades during historical incidents affecting regional airports.
Planned upgrades have focused on runway resurfacing, terminal refurbishments, improved security screening, and enhanced apron capacity to support demand from carriers like QantasLink and prospective international charters. Proposals have considered partnerships with state initiatives from the Government of Western Australia and investment by private operators including infrastructure funds and entities involved in regional development such as the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. Objectives emphasize boosting tourism to attractions like Horizontal Falls and strengthening links for resource sectors including projects by Woodside Petroleum and Chevron Corporation.