Airport Upgrades

The airport is used by light aircraft and helicopters for:

• transport of visitors to and from the island by commercial operators
• private travel to the island
• recreational tours (scenic flights) and skydiving
• “Touch and Go” landing practice by recreational aircraft
• Emergency services

In 2023-24, there were 5,150 take-offs/landings from the Rottnest Island Airport. The airport not only provides visitors with recreational opportunities but is essential to enable the airlifting of visitors/staff requiring emergency medical attention to the mainland.

The upgrade is necessary to ensure the airport meets current compliance, safety and performance standards for airports. The resurfacing addresses drainage and edge maintenance defects on the runway, taxiway and apron. It will also ensure the continued viability of air services to Rottnest Island.

The airport will be closed for 28 days, from 17 July to 14 August to safely facilitate the works.  During the closure no fixed wing aircraft can use the runway. Helicopters responding to emergency situations will be advised of suitable landing locations within the airport.

The airport will be closed to commercial use and the public from Thursday, 17 July to Thursday, 14 August 2025 (inclusive).

The runway, taxiway, and apron areas will be resurfaced with bitumen asphalt to ensure the aerodrome meets current compliance, safety, and performance standards. This is a $4.3 million project funded by the WA State Government.

No. During the works, access to the terminal and all areas of the airport will be closed to the public and commercial use. Brand Way (the road servicing the airport) will remain open, though there will be increased vehicle movements in the area.

Aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters, are not permitted to land at the airport during the closure. Emergency services helicopters are permitted to land in designated landing areas at all times.