The popular tourist route between Perth and Broome experiences the lowest on-time performance in Australia, impacting tourism and business.
The 2,080-kilometer journey from Perth to Broome , a popular destination for tourists, typically involves air travel. However, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure Transport and Research Economics (BITRE), which monitors the punctuality and reliability of Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) for major domestic and regional airlines, the Broome - Perth route experienced the lowest percentage of on-time arrivals (47.9 percent) and on-time departures (39.
7 percent) in Australia during December 2024. This trend was also reflected at the Broome International Airport, which recorded the lowest percentage of on-time departures at 39.7 percent. The route is serviced by two major airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia, which operate flights to and from Western Australia's capital. Bill Tatchell, chief executive of North-West Tourism, expressed concern over the impact of delayed flights on the region's thriving tourism industry. 'There's nothing worse than arriving at the airport to find the flight has been delayed and no communication and little understanding of what's going on,' he stated. 'From our point of view it's about reputation — it's about getting people to Broome so they can plan a holiday.' Ruby Byass, a Broome resident, shared her experience of a nearly 11-hour flight delay due to cabin pressure issues. 'We rocked up at the airport about 10am and the flight actually left at about 8:30pm,' she recounted. The delay caused her to miss a visit with her aunt, who she hadn't seen in over a year. Ms. Byass also noted that she had heard from other frequent travelers to Broome who were considering not returning due to recurring flight delays. 'There was one guy on the flight who was going to Europe the next morning very early, so he was obviously quite stressed,' she added. 'Hearing those comments from other people who have been regular travellers to Broome is obviously a huge impact to Broome itself … we're losing tourism, we're losing business.'Both Qantas and Virgin Australia attributed the delays to ongoing airport infrastructure works, which have limited the number of available bays for use. A Virgin Australia spokesperson acknowledged that the relatively small number of flights on the Perth-Broome route meant any delay had a significant impact on performance. They cited weather delays, lightning strikes, and gate limitations caused by apron works as contributing factors to the December on-time performance issues.Broome International Airport chief executive Craig Shaw assured that delays would be resolved once the airport upgrades were completed. 'The airport has been undertaking works to the apron to improve capacity, which will assist further with on-time performance,' he explained. The airport aims to minimize disruption during these works by conducting them during quieter periods. 'The airport and airlines work hard to ensure flights arrive and depart on time,' Mr. Shaw emphasized. 'There are also providers to airlines that work at our airport with similar intentions who handle baggage and check-in at the counter.
AIR TRAVEL DELAYED FLIGHTS BROOME PERTH TOURISM AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dead melon-headed whales washed up on Broome beach under investigationA beachgoer made the devastating find and reported the dead whales to parks and wildlife staff who collected scientific information before they were removed.
Read more »
Ten Melon-Headed Whales Found Dead Near BroomeA grim discovery has been made north of Broome, Western Australia, where ten melon-headed whales have been found dead. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is investigating the cause of death.
Read more »
Kimberley Man Jailed for Three Years for Sexually Assaulting Woman in BroomeA 26-year-old man from the Kimberley region of Western Australia has been sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a 41-year-old woman outside her home in Broome. Damian Kevin Steven Nungatcha pleaded guilty to one count of sexual penetration without consent. The court heard that Nungatcha had first broken into a caravan, stealing a wallet, before targeting the victim's home. Despite her attempts to scare him away, Nungatcha overpowered the woman and sexually assaulted her.
Read more »
Perth Parents Jailed for Starving Daughter: Father Did Not Intentially Endanger Her, Says CourtA Perth couple convicted of starving their teenage daughter to near death has seen the father cleared of intentionally endangering her life during a sentencing hearing. The 20-year-old victim, who blames both herself and the media for her parents' situation, appeared in court alongside emotional letters she wrote to the judge. While the father's actions are seen as less intentional, both parents face severe consequences for their negligence, which led to the young woman's malnutrition and near-fatal health decline.
Read more »
Perth Parents Who Starved Daughter Plead for Leniency, Daughter Blames MediaA Perth couple found guilty of starving their teenage daughter is pleading for leniency, while their now 20-year-old daughter blames the media for her parents' predicament. The parents, who have been in jail since last November, were found guilty of causing their daughter to suffer by failing to provide adequate nutrition and emotional, social, and functional development. The girl's shocking case, involving severe malnutrition and a near-death experience, has captivated the public.
Read more »
Perth Families Lose Tens of Thousands to 'Ghosting' BuilderFamilies in Perth's northern suburbs have lost tens of thousands of dollars after Builder Paul Howe allegedly took their money and abandoned their projects. Building Dreams Construction, promoted as a registered builder on Facebook, was paid for granny flat construction but delivered only empty shells, leaving families financially and emotionally distressed.
Read more »