Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
MOUNT Gambier Airport is the second best regional performing commercial airfield in South Australia amid a steady lift in passenger numbers.
The airport recorded nearly a 3pc upward swing in passenger numbers last financial year, according to a new domestic aviation activity report released by the Australian Government.
The facility – which has recently been renamed Mount Gambier Regional Airport – has also squeezed into the nation’s top 50 regional airport list.
Only outperformed by Port Lincoln in the state, the Mount Gambier Airport came in at number 43 of regional facilities – ahead of Whyalla, Olympic Dam and the Kangaroo Island.
The news comes after carrier Regional Express and Grant District Council brokered a historic deal to bring in a community fare scheme at the airport, which has delivered cheaper airfares on a portion of seats.
Grant District Council chief executive officer David Singe there had been a “5pc turnaround” in passenger numbers since the community fare was introduced last year.
He said passenger numbers were lifting “steadily” and council was confident they would continue to build with continued marketing.
Regarding the national airport snapshot, Mr Singe said he welcomed news the airport was in the top 50 of regional facilities.
“This shows we are going well and the airport is a significant player,” he said.
Mr Singe said the airport was performing well given there was a “competitive road option” in the region.
He said airports such as Devonport or Port Lincoln – which had higher passenger numbers – reflected the fact that driving was not an option or it was less attractive given the distance.
Mr Singe said he planned to met with Regional Express officials shortly to continue to foster the relationship between the two players.
He also reiterated council was in no discussions with any other carrier about the airport.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage said the report demonstrated the airport was “heading in the right direction” given the looming $9.2m redevelopment.
While the lift in passenger numbers were slow, he argued the community fare and the redevelopment would continue to drive growth in passenger numbers.
“In time, the airport will reap the benefits,” Mr Sage said.
Mr Sage said the redevelopment – which would include a refurbished and expanded run as well as upgrade to runaway infrastructure – would inject vibrancy.
He said this was important given the airport was a “gateway” to the Limestone Coast.
Mr Sage said Regional Express was providing a “good service” to the community and the upward trend in passenger numbers demonstrated the airlines’ investment in the region.
According to the national report, the number of domestic aviation travellers through regional airports in 2017-18 was more than 24m, 2.4pc higher than the previous year.
Out of the top 50 the strongest growth was Olympic Dam Airport, which had a 40pc jump in passenger numbers.
The largest decrease was at Hamilton Island, down 16pc.
The top five regional airports for passenger numbers were Cairns followed by Hobart, Darwin, Townsville and Launceston.
Mildura – which came in at 22 on the regional list – had 263,000 passengers.
The Mount Gambier Airport $9.2m redevelopment Airport will see the runway lengthened to accommodate larger aircraft.
Construction of a new heavy apron for overflow aircraft is also part of the blueprint.
Terminal improvements will include baggage collection, cafe lounge, departure lounge, check-in hall, entrance and toilets.
The design tender has been awarded to Ashley Halliday Architects, which was involved in the Kangaroo Island terminal development.
Council has yet to announce a construction starting date for the project, which is being funded by local, state and federal government coffers.
