Learmonth Airport (LEA)

Learmonth Airport (LEA) operates as a joint civilian-military facility co-located with RAAF Base Learmonth near Exmouth on Western Australia's northwest coast, approximately 36 kilometers south of Exmouth town and 120 kilometers north of Coral Bay. The terminal building, which opened on December 3, 1999, features an award-winning design by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects that represents a coral reef, reflecting the region's marine environment and tourism focus. The facility operates as a Security Controlled Airport (SCA) with Classification 3 under the Federal Aviation Transport Safety Act 2004, covering a 23.9-hectare lease area with a single 3,047-meter runway capable of handling Code 4E aircraft specifications. Terminal amenities at YPLM include a café and bar that operates during aircraft arrivals and departures, providing dining options synchronized with flight schedules to serve passengers traveling to and from this remote Western Australian destination. The airport primarily serves Qantas passenger aircraft operations, including seasonal Melbourne-Exmouth flights introduced in 2023 from April to October, while also supporting helicopter operators that serve offshore oil and gas operations in the region. Free car parking is provided for passengers, while taxi services cost approximately $50 for transportation to Exmouth town center. Learmonth Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast, providing essential connectivity for tourism to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and supporting the region's growing tourism industry centered on whale shark swimming, coral reef diving, and coastal recreation. The airport's dual civilian-military role supports both commercial tourism operations and RAAF activities, while recent upgrade contracts awarded in October 2023 to CPB Contractors indicate continued investment in the facility's capabilities. Ground transportation from the terminal connects travelers to Exmouth's tourism accommodations and the Ningaloo Marine Park, positioning the airport as a crucial element in Western Australia's nature-based tourism infrastructure.