Gladstone Airport’s $65 million extended runway and expanded terminal project was officially opened by Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Gail Sellers on April 17.
Gladstone’s runway (10/28) has been extended in length from 1635m to 1960m, making it better suited for jet aircraft operations, while the $7 million terminal redevelopment includes reconfigured arrivals and departures halls, passenger and baggage security screening facilities, and extended car park facilities. The federal government provided $5.5 million in funding for the terminal, which has been renamed the Creed-Kanofski Airport Terminal after former mayor George Creed (who passed away last November), and outgoing Gladstone Regional Council CEO Graeme Kanofski, key proponents of the project.
The general public were able to inspect the new airport facilities during an open day as part of the official opening ceremonies on April 17.
“Gladstone is a rapidly growing regional centre with an urgent need for better aviation infrastructure. Within just the last seven years, there’s been a doubling in the number of passengers travelling through its airport,” noted Minister Albanese.
“That growth looks certain to continue with some $65 billion worth of industrial development planned in coming years and the city’s population expected to grow by more than 80 per cent within the next two decades.”
New CASA requirements introduced earlier this year is also seeing the council widen the runway’s width to 45m.
Taking advantage of the extended runway and new terminal facilities, Strategic Airlines was due to commence direct Brisbane-Gladstone A320 services from April 18.
