Eliwana (WHB)

Eliwana Camp Airport is a private mining aerodrome serving Fortescue Metals Group's Eliwana iron ore mine complex in Western Australia's remote Pilbara region, approximately 320 kilometers southwest of Port Hedland. Security access is strictly restricted to authorized Fortescue employees, contractor personnel, and approved visitors only, with thorough identity verification required. The site operates at 1,576 feet elevation within the challenging Pilbara climate environment, requiring specialized aviation procedures to handle extreme heat, dust storms, and seasonal cyclonic weather patterns. The airport strategically integrates with Fortescue's comprehensive network of five company-owned aerodromes supporting remote mine operations across the Pilbara, creating an efficient internal transportation system.

Operations commenced in March 2020 following accelerated mine development and airport construction that continued despite significant COVID-19 pandemic challenges and border restrictions. The facility operates exclusively for FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) workforce transport services, handling over 130,000 passengers annually on precisely scheduled mining roster rotations that support the mine's 24/7 operations. The facility directly supports the mine's autonomous haul truck operations and coordinates with ore transport logistics via the 143-kilometer heavy-haul railway connection to Port Hedland's shipping terminals. Comprehensive CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) certification ensures strict compliance with commercial aviation safety standards for mining industry operations.

Ground facilities are purpose-designed to serve mining camp logistics and workforce management rather than traditional passenger services, featuring specialized baggage handling for mining equipment and personal effects. Air traffic communications utilize UNICOM frequency 126. 70 MHz for pilot coordination and Automatic Weather Information Service (AWIS) on 122. 27 MHz providing essential meteorological data for safe operations. The purpose-built 2,500-meter sealed runway accommodates large charter aircraft including Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320 aircraft carrying mining personnel on weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly roster cycles from Perth, Adelaide, and other major Australian cities.

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