MINISTER for Tourism and Major Events Matt Conlan has welcomed the announcement that work will begin shortly on Darwin International Airport’s (DIA) $60 million expansion.
“I’d like to thank the DIA for their significant and on-going investment in the Territory,” Mr Conlan said.
“The Country Liberals Government is determined to position Darwin as a gateway into Australia, particularly from Asia, and the DIA expansion will help achieve this vision.
“The project is the biggest undertaken in the DIA’s history with the size of the current airport to virtually double from 16,000 to 27,000 square metres.
“This means the airport will have more capacity for growth, the ability to attract more routes and more services to and from the Territory.
“The project will also include a larger Qantas lounge and new Virgin Australia lounge. This is a terrific sign these two airlines plan to grow their footprint in the Territory which is a great vote of confidence in the Territory’s future.
“Increasing airline services into the Territory is a priority of the Country Liberals Government as we grow our tourism industry and build a bigger economy for the Territory and I look forward to working closely with DIA in the future.”
The planned $60 million expansion project of Darwin International Airport will include additional departure lounge areas; improved baggage systems and security screening areas; an expanded check-in area; vastly upgraded facilities for international travellers; and more space for new food and beverage and retail outlets.
Darwin International Airport CEO, Ian Kew, said work on the expansion of DIA’s terminal will begin on the 14th May after finalisation of the design with developer Watpac.
“The expansion will increase capacity dramatically, enabling us to improve efficiencies for airlines and improve the travelling experience for our passengers,” Mr Kew said.
The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2014.
